'You remember our talk about marriage on a minute income?'
'I do, very well.'
'I have found someone who isn't afraid of it.'
'You have? The same person who formerly was?'
'No; she was not afraid of the income, but of me. I couldn't be surprised, though it hit me hard. Time has spoken for me.'
Harvey was dining in town. He came back with vexatious news about Cecil Morphew, who neglected business, looked ill, and altogether seemed in a bad way. As he talked, he began to notice that Alma regarded him with brighter and happier eyes than for many a day.
'Why does it amuse you?' he asked, stopping in his narrative.
'It doesn't; I'm as sorry as you are. But I have a surprise for you.'
'A pleasant one, this time, I see.'
'Mrs. Abbott is going to marry Mr. Thistlewood.'