‘Oh, he refused to reply! Surely that is extreme behaviour.’
What she dreaded seemed to be coming to pass. Jasper stood rather stiffly, and threw his head back.
‘You know the reason, dear. That prejudice has entered into his very life. It is not you he dislikes; that is impossible. He thinks of you only as he would of anyone connected with Mr Fadge.’
‘Well, well; it isn’t a matter of much moment. But what I have in mind is this. Will it be possible for you, whilst living at home, to take a position of independence, and say that you are going to work for your own profit?’
‘At least I might claim half the money I can earn. And I was thinking more of—’
‘Of what?’
‘When I am your wife, I may be able to help. I could earn thirty or forty pounds a year, I think. That would pay the rent of a small house.’
She spoke with shaken voice, her eyes fixed upon his face.
‘But, my dear Marian, we surely oughtn’t to think of marrying so long as expenses are so nicely fitted as all that?’
‘No. I only meant—’