'It is quite a new subject to most people,' said Merton, and he mentally
ticked off Miss Willoughby as safe, for Jephson, whom he had heard that
she liked, was a very poor man, living on his fellowship and coaching. He
was sorry: he had never liked or trusted Jephson.

'It is a subject sure to create a sensation, isn't it?' asked Miss
Willoughby, a little paler than before.

'It might get a man a professorship,' said Merton.

'There are so many of us, of them, I mean,' said Miss Willoughby, and
Merton gave a small sigh. 'Not much larkiness here,' he thought, and
asked a transient waiter for champagne.

Miss Willoughby drank a little of the wine: the colour came into her
face.

'By Jove, she's awfully handsome,' thought Merton.

'It was very kind of you to ask me to this festival,' said the girl. 'Why
have you asked us, me at least?'

'Perhaps for many besides the obvious reason,' said Merton. 'You may be
told later.'

'Then there is a reason in addition to that which most people don't find
obvious? Have you come into a fortune?'

'No, but I am coming. My ship is on the sea and my boat is on the