‘Neither of them knows anything of the matter, but they are certainly capable of doing the kind of thing I have in mind, which will consist largely of anecdotes of prominent statesmen. I myself shall write the specimen chapter, and send it to the girls to show them what I propose. I shouldn’t wonder if they make some fifty pounds out of it. The few books that will be necessary they can either get at a Wattleborough library, or I can send them.’
‘Your energy is remarkable, all of a sudden,’ said Reardon.
‘Yes. The hour has come, I find. “There is a tide”—to quote something that has the charm of freshness.’
The supper—which consisted of bread and butter, cheese, sardines, cocoa—was now over, and Jasper, still enlarging on his recent experiences and future prospects, led the way back to the sitting-room. Not very long after this, Amy left the two friends to their pipes; she was anxious that her husband should discuss his affairs privately with Milvain, and give ear to the practical advice which she knew would be tendered him.
‘I hear that you are still stuck fast,’ began Jasper, when they had smoked awhile in silence.
‘Yes.’
‘Getting rather serious, I should fear, isn’t it?’
‘Yes,’ repeated Reardon, in a low voice.
‘Come, come, old man, you can’t go on in this way. Would it, or wouldn’t it, be any use if you took a seaside holiday?’
‘Not the least. I am incapable of holiday, if the opportunity were offered. Do something I must, or I shall fret myself into imbecility.’