"You are modest," Bernard remarked. "You imply that Evelyn does not know."
"I don't think she knows. I have been cautious. If I hinted at my hopes too soon, she might get disturbed and alarmed."
Bernard smiled. "Well, perhaps you have taken a prudent line. But do you imagine your reserve has deceived Janet Halliday?"
"Perhaps it has not; Mrs. Halliday is clever. I think she is my friend."
"It's possible," Bernard agreed, with a touch of ironical humor. "How long do you think you must give Evelyn, in order to avoid the jar she might get if you prematurely revealed your hopes?"
Jim knitted his brows. He was used to Bernard's cynical dryness and trusted him. "It will be longer than I thought," he answered, grimly. "I have had a bad set-back."
He told Bernard about the risk of his losing his money, and the latter was silent for a minute or two. Then he remarked: "I suppose you see that if I thought it a good plan I could help you out."
"That is not why I told you," said Jim. "I could not take your help."
"I imagined you would not. Well, perhaps your frankness accounts for our friendship. You are unembarrassed because you have no grounds for indulging my caprices and expect nothing from me."
Jim made a little abrupt movement. He had once said something like that; to Mordaunt, he thought.