shall only be able to keep one servant, but we shall try to make you
comfortable, and, when you come, you'll take me to the theatres, to see one
of your own plays.'

'If my play's being played, certainly. But would it be right for me to pay
you visits in London?'

'They would be very wicked people indeed who saw anything wrong in it; you
are my cousin. But why do you say such things? You destroy all my pleasure,
and I was so happy just now.'

'I'm afraid, Emily, your happiness hangs on a very slender thread.'

She looked at him inquiringly, but feeling that it would be unwise to
attempt an explanation, he said in a different tone--

'But, Emily, if you love Ashwood so well, why do you go away?'

'Why do I go away? We have been here now some time.... I can't live here
always.'

'Why not? Why not let things go on just as they are?'

'And live here with you, I and Julia?'

'Yes; why not?'

'We should bore you; you want to write your plays, you'd get tired of me.'

'Your being here would not prevent my writing my plays. I have been