all she could
of her clothing; and so on. Her home was in Birmingham; she had been
driven away by the brutality of a stepmother; a friend lent her a few
pounds, and she came to London with an unfinished novel. Well, you know,
this kind of thing would be enough to make me soft-hearted to any girl,
let alone one who, to begin with, was absolutely my ideal. When she
began to express a fear that I was giving too much time to her, that she
wouldn't be able to pay my fees, and so on, I could restrain myself
no longer. On the spot I asked her to marry me. I didn't practise any
deception, mind. I told her I was a poor devil who had failed as a
realistic novelist and was earning bread in haphazard ways; and I
explained frankly that I thought we might carry on various kinds of
business together: she might go on with her novel-writing, and--so on.
But she was frightened; I had been too abrupt. That's a fault of mine,
you know; but I was so confoundedly afraid of losing her. And I told her
as much, plainly.'

Biffen smiled.

'This would be exciting,' he said, 'if we didn't know the end of the
story.'

'Yes. Pity I didn't keep it a secret. Well, she wouldn't say yes, but
I could see that she didn't absolutely say no. "In any case," I said,
"you'll let me see you often? Fees be hanged! I'll work day and night
for you. I'll do my utmost to get your novel accepted." And I implored
her to let me lend her a little money. It was very difficult to persuade
her, but at last she accepted a few shillings. I could see in her face
that she was hungry. Just imagine! A beautiful girl absolutely hungry;
it drove me frantic!

But that was a great point gained. After that we saw each other almost
every day, and at last--she consented! Did indeed! I can hardly believe
it yet. We shall be married in a fortnight's time.'

'I congratulate you,' said Reardon.

'So do I,' sighed Biffen.

'The day before yesterday she went to Birmingham to see her father and
tell him all about the affair. I agreed with her it was as well; the old
fellow isn't badly off; and he may forgive her for running away, though
he's under his wife's thumb, it appears. I had a note yesterday. She had
gone to a friend's house for the first day. I hoped to have heard again
this morning--must to-morrow, in any case. I live, as you may imagine,
in wild excitement. Of course, if the old man stumps up a wedding
present, all the better. But I don't care; we'll make a living somehow