‘Is it so serious? I heard indirectly that he had something the matter with his eyes, but I didn’t know—’
‘They may be able to operate before long, and perhaps it will be successful. But in the meantime Marian has to do his work.’
‘This explains the—the delay?’ fell from Amy’s lips, as she smiled.
Jasper moved uncomfortably. It was a voluntary gesture.
‘The whole situation explains it,’ he replied, with some show of impulsiveness. ‘I am very much afraid Marian is tied during her father’s life.’
‘Indeed? But there is her mother.’
‘No companion for her father, as I think you know. Even if Mr Yule recovers his sight, it is not at all likely that he will be able to work as before. Our difficulties are so grave that—’
He paused, and let his hand fail despondently.
‘I hope it isn’t affecting your work—your progress?’
‘To some extent, necessarily. I have a good deal of will, you remember, and what I have set my mind upon, no doubt, I shall some day achieve. But—one makes mistakes.’