"After all, does it matter much? If I had anything else to gain.
Suppose I had any hope of marriage, for instance----"

He said it playfully. Eve turned her eyes away, but gave no other
sign of self-consciousness.

"I have no such hope. I have seen too much of marriage in poverty."

"So have I," said his companion, with quiet emphasis.

"And when a man's absolutely sure that he will never have an income
of more than a hundred and fifty pounds----"

"It's a crime if he asks a woman to share it," Eve added coldly.

"I agree with you. It's well to understand each other on that point.
--Talking of architecture, I bought a grand book this afternoon."

He described the purchase, and mentioned what it cost.

"But at that rate," said Eve, "your days of slavery will come again
very soon."

"Oh! it's so rarely that I spend a large sum. On most days I satisfy
myself with the feeling of freedom, and live as poorly as ever I
did. Still, don't suppose that I am bent on making my money last a
very long time. I can imagine myself spending it all in a week or
two, and feeling I had its worth. The only question is, how can I
get most enjoyment? The very best of a lifetime may come within a