"I thought you were interested only in rich men?"
"I did think so. But now— It might be fun to be poor—with him—for a while. It wouldn't be for long. You said yourself he'll have a brilliant future."
"I think so. But it might be long coming. A professional career is so uncertain at the start. And it's never fun to be poor—unless you're equipped. Married life is more than parties and golf and dinners at the club. Shirley, dear," she concluded pleadingly, "do be sensible."
"Of course, I will be. You forget I know all about poverty from experience." Shirley looked up suddenly, keenly. "Why do you warn me? Is there any reason why you're afraid to entrust me to David Quentin?"
"No-o," said Mrs. Jim.
How could she voice the question in her mind? It was, could she entrust
David Quentin to Shirley?
Still later, "Jim," she said to her almost sleeping husband, "I'm worried. I'm afraid David and Shirley will get themselves engaged."
"Won't hurt 'em," grunted Jim.
"But they might get married."
"People do it sometimes. Be good for him. Life's been too easy for
Davy."