to this letter:

'The money is for your support, as far as it will go. If it comes back
to me I shall send it again. If you refuse to make use of it, you
will have the kindness to put it aside and consider it as belonging
to Willie. The other money of which I spoke will be sent to you once a
month. As our concerns are no longer between us alone, I must protect
myself against anyone who would be likely to accuse me of not giving you
what I could afford. For your advice I thank you, but remember that in
withdrawing from me your affection you have lost all right to offer me
counsel.'

He went out and posted this at once.

By three o'clock the furniture of his room was arranged. He had not kept
a carpet; that was luxury, and beyond his due. His score of volumes must
rank upon the mantelpiece; his clothing must be kept in the trunk. Cups,
plates, knives, forks, and spoons would lie in the little open cupboard,
the lowest section of which was for his supply of coals. When everything
was in order he drew water from a tap on the landing and washed himself;
then, with his bag, went out to make purchases. A loaf of bread, butter,
sugar, condensed milk; a remnant of tea he had brought with him. On
returning, he lit as small a fire as possible, put on his kettle, and
sat down to meditate.

How familiar it all was to him! And not unpleasant, for it brought
back the days when he had worked to such good purpose. It was like a
restoration of youth.

Of Amy he would not think. Knowing his bitter misery, she could write
to him in cold, hard words, without a touch even of womanly feeling. If
ever they were to meet again, the advance must be from her side. He had
no more tenderness for her until she strove to revive it.

Next morning he called at the hospital to see Carter. The secretary's
peculiar look and smile seemed to betray a knowledge of what had been
going on since Sunday, and his first words confirmed this impression of
Reardon's.

'You have removed, I hear?'

'Yes; I had better give you my new address.'

Reardon's tone was meant to signify that further remark on the subject
would be unwelcome. Musingly, Carter made a note of the address.

'You still wish to go on with this affair?'

'Certainly.'

'Come and have some lunch with me, then, and afterwards we'll go to the
City Road and talk things over on the spot.'

The vivacious young man was not quite so genial as of wont, but he
evidently strove to show that the r