will enter the Diplomatic Service. My interest alone could do that. If we
are married, there would be plenty to see the necessity for pushing us. I
don't know whether you could keep the lieutenancy; you might. I should
not like you to quit the Army: an opening might come in it. There's the
Indian Staff--the Persian Mission: they like soldiers for those Eastern
posts. But we must take what we can get. We should, anyhow, live abroad,
where in the matter of money society is more sensible. We should be able
to choose our own, and advertize tea, brioche, and conversation in return
for the delicacies of the season."

"But you, Charlotte--you could never live that life!" Wilfrid broke in,
the contemplation of her plain sincerity diminishing him to himself. "It
would drag you down too horribly!"

"Remorse at giving tea in return for dinners and balls?"

"Ah! there are other things to consider."

She blushed unwontedly.

Something, lighted by the blush, struck him as very feminine and noble.

"Then I may flatter myself that you love me?" he whispered.

"Do you not see?" she rejoined. "My project is nothing but a whim--a
whim."

The divided man saw himself whole, if not happy in the ranks of
Diplomacy, with a resolute, frank, faithful woman (a lady of title)
loving him, to back him. Fortune shone ahead, and on the road he saw
where his deficiencies would be filled up by her. She was firm and
open--he irresolute and self-involved. Animal courage both possessed.
Their differences were so extreme that they met where they differed. It
struck him specially now that she would be like Day to his spirit in
continued intercourse. Young as he was he had wisdom to know the right
meaning of the word "helpmate." It was as if the head had dealt the heart
a blow, saying, "See here the lady thou art to serve." But the heart was
a surly rebel. Lady Charlotte was fully justified in retorting upon his
last question: "I think I also should ask, do you love me? It is not
absolutely imperative for the occasion or for the catastrophe, I merely
ask for what is called information."

And yet, despite her flippancy, which was partly designed to relieve his
embarrassment, her hand was moist and her eyes were singularly watchful.

"You who sneer at love!" He gave a musical murmur.

"Not at all. I think it a very useful part of the capital to begin the
married business upon."

"You unsay your own words."

"Not 'absolutely imperative,' I think I