What else could be the meaning of
those words in which (and it was before the arrival of the news) he had warned
her against people who made connections only with self-interest in view? This
threw a sudden light upon her father's attitude towards Jasper Milvain.
Evidently he thought that Jasper regarded her as a possible heiress, sooner or
later. That suspicion was rankling in his mind; doubtless it intensified the
prejudice which originated in literary animosity.
    Was there any truth in his suspicion? She did not shrink from admitting that
there might be. Jasper had from the first been so frank with her, had so often
repeated that money was at present his chief need. If her father inherited
substantial property, would it induce Jasper to declare himself more than her
friend? She could view the possibility of that, and yet not for a moment be
shaken in her love. It was plain that Jasper could not think of marrying until
his position and prospects were greatly improved: practically, his sisters
depended upon him. What folly it would be to draw back if circumstances led him
to avow what hitherto he had so slightly disguised! She had the conviction that
he valued her for her own sake; if the obstacle between them could only be
removed, what matter how?
    Would he be willing to abandon Clement Fadge, and come over to her father's
side? If Yule were able to found a magazine?
    Had she read or heard of a girl who went so far in concessions, Marian would
have turned away, her delicacy offended. In her own case she could indulge to
the utmost that practicality which colours a woman's thought even in
mid-passion. The cold exhibition of ignoble scheming will repel many a woman
who, for her own heart's desire, is capable of that same compromise with her
strict sense of honour.
 
Marian wrote to Dora Milvain, telling her what had happened. But she refrained
from visiting her friends.
    Each night found her more restless, each morning less able to employ
herself. She shut herself in the study merely to be alone with her thoughts, to
be able to walk backwards and forwards, or sit for hours in feverish reverie.
From her father came no news. Her mother was suffering dreadfully from suspense,
and often had eyes red with weeping. Absorbed in her own hopes and fears, whilst
every hour harassed her more intolerably, Marian was unable to play the part of
an encourager; she had never known such exclusiveness of self-occupation.
    Yule's return was unannounced. Early in the afternoon, when he