"If I were to tell you that I hadn't another penny in the world?"
"I shouldn't believe it."
"If I convinced you that it was literally true, would it make any difference to you?"
"I don't follow."
"Would you still take half my share from me?"
"What's the good of talking about it?" And he looked at her thoughtfully. "Jane, the devil is driving me. I'm not the man I was. I funk dangers. My health is broken.... You'll be all right. You have friends. I have none. It's vital to me to know that we—that I shall have enough to rub along with out there."
Mrs. Marsden said no more.
"Yes, you'll be all right, old girl. Never fear!" And he got up, and stretched himself. "But I say! We've been jawing such a deuce of a time that it'll be too late to do anything to-day, unless we look sharp.... Will you give me a letter to Hyde & Collins, saying you accept?"
"No, I'll go there, and tell them by word of mouth."