“A few months ago, I flattered myself that my prospects were improving,” he said; “but now it seems that I must begin again, which is not an easy matter, by the way.”
By the time he ended he found his temporary excitement abating somewhat, but still his mood was by no means undisturbed.
It was after they had finished tea and the armchairs had been drawn to the fire that Grace himself made a revelation.
“When you met me to-night, I was returning from a visit I had paid to Joan Lowrie.”
“At Thwaite's?” said Derrick.
“At Thwaite's. She—the fact is I went on business—she has determined to change her plan of life.”
“In what manner?”
“She is to work no more at the mines. I am happy to say that I have been able to find her other employment.”
There was an interval of silence, at length broken by Derrick.
“Grace,” he said, “can you tell me why she decided upon such a course?”