myself shall write the specimen chapter, and send it to the girls
to show them what I propose. I shouldn't wonder if they make some
fifty pounds out of it. The few books that will be necessary they
can either get at a Wattleborough library, or I can send them.'

'Your energy is remarkable, all of a sudden,' said Reardon.

'Yes. The hour has come, I find. "There is a tide"--to quote
something that has the charm of freshness.'

The supper--which consisted of bread and butter, cheese,
sardines, cocoa--was now over, and Jasper, still enlarging on his
recent experiences and future prospects, led the way back to the
sitting-room. Not very long after this, Amy left the two friends
to their pipes; she was anxious that her husband should discuss
his affairs privately with Milvain, and give ear to the practical
advice which she knew would be tendered him.

'I hear that you are still stuck fast,' began Jasper, when they
had smoked awhile in silence.

'Yes.'

'Getting rather serious, I should fear, isn't it?'

'Yes,' repeated Reardon, in a low voice.

'Come, come, old man, you can't go on in this way. Would it, or
wouldn't it, be any use if you took a seaside holiday?'