 usual, the signs in Marian's attire of encroaching poverty - her
unsatisfactory gloves, her mantle out of fashion. Yet for such feelings he
reproached himself, and the reproach made him angry.
    They walked together in the same direction as when they met here before.
Marian could not mistake the air of restless trouble on her companion's smooth
countenance. She had divined that there was some grave reason for this summons,
and the panting with which she had approached was half caused by the anxious
beats of her heart. Jasper's long silence again was ominous. He began abruptly:
    »You've heard that Harold Biffen has committed suicide?«
    »No!« she replied, looking shocked.
    »Poisoned himself. You'll find something about it in to-day's Telegraph.«
    He gave her such details as he had obtained, then added:
    »There are two of my companions fallen in the battle. I ought to think
myself a lucky fellow, Marian. What?«
    »You are better fitted to fight your way, Jasper.«
    »More of a brute, you mean.«
    »You know very well I don't. You have more energy and more intellect.«
    »Well, it remains to be seen how I shall come out when I am weighted with
graver cares than I have yet known.«
    She looked at him inquiringly, but said nothing.
    »I have made up my mind about our affairs,« he went on precisely. »Marian,
if ever we are to be married, it must be now.«
    The words were so unexpected that they brought a flush to her cheeks and
neck.
    »Now?«
    »Yes. Will you marry me, and let us take our chance?«
    Her heart throbbed, violently.
    »You don't mean at once, Jasper? You would wait until I know what father's
fate is to be?«
    »Well, now, there's the point. You feel yourself indispensable to your
father at present?«
    »Not indispensable, but - wouldn't it seem very unkind? I should be so
afraid of the effect upon his health, Jasper. So much depends, we are told, upon
his general state of mind and body. It would be dreadful if I were the cause of
-«
    She paused, and looked up at him touchingly.
    »I understand that. But let us face our position. Suppose the operation is
successful; your father will certainly not be able to use his eyes much for a
long
