‘And if he obstinately refuses—what then? What is before him?’
Marian’s head sank, and she stood still.
‘Why have you changed your mind so, Jasper?’ she inquired at length.
‘Because I have decided that the indefinitely long engagement would be unjust to you—and to myself. Such engagements are always dangerous; sometimes they deprave the character of the man or woman.’
She listened anxiously and reflected.
‘Everything,’ he went on, ‘would be simple enough but for your domestic difficulties. As I have said, there is the very serious doubt whether your father would accept money from you when you are my wife. Then again, shall we be able to afford such an allowance?’
‘I thought you felt sure of that?’
‘I’m not very sure of anything, to tell the truth. I am harassed.
I can’t get on with my work.’
‘I am very, very sorry.’