like you to think that the mention of his name is disagreeable to
me.'

'It made me slightly uncomfortable yesterday--the fact that I am
well acquainted with Mrs Edmund Yule, and that Reardon is my
friend. Yet I didn't see why that should prevent my making your
father's acquaintance.'

'Surely not. I shall say nothing about it; I mean, as you uttered
the name unintentionally.'

There was a pause in the dialogue. They had been speaking almost
confidentially, and Marian seemed to become suddenly aware of an
oddness in the situation. She turned towards the uphill path, as
if thinking of resuming her walk.

'You are tired of standing still,' said Jasper. 'May I walk back
a part of the way with you?'

'Thank you; I shall be glad.'

They went on for a few minutes in silence.

'Have you published anything with your signature, Miss Yule?'
Jasper at length inquired.

'Nothing. I only help father a little.'

The silence that again followed was broken this time by Marian.