‘No. We don’t talk about it.’
He seated himself on the corner of a chair and bent forward, his chin in his hand.
‘Has she said anything to you about the review?’
‘Not a word.’
She glanced at him timidly, and turned a few pages of her book.
‘I wanted her to come to Quarmby’s, because there’ll be a man there who is anxious that Jedwood should start a magazine, and it would be useful for her to hear practical opinions. There’d be no harm if you just spoke to her about it now and then. Of course if she has made up her mind to refuse me it’s no use troubling myself any more. I should think you might find out what’s really going on.’
Only dire stress of circumstances could have brought Alfred Yule to make distinct appeal for his wife’s help. There was no underhand plotting between them to influence their daughter; Mrs Yule had as much desire for the happiness of her husband as for that of Marian, but she felt powerless to effect anything on either side.
‘If ever she says anything, I’ll let you know.’
‘But it seems to me that you have a right to question her.’
‘I can’t do that, Alfred.’