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'Well, now, said Whelpdale, 'I have never upheld the theory at least not since I was sixteen that a man can be in love only once, or that there is one particular woman if he misses whom he can never be happy. There may be thousands of women whom I could love with equal sincerity. 'I object to the word "love" altogether. It has been vulgarised. Let us talk about compatibility.
It was the nearest he could come to a question concerning the future of Amy and her husband. 'Everything is still quite uncertain. But tell me something about our old acquaintances. How does Mr Biffen get on? 'I scarcely ever see him, but I think he pegs away at an interminable novel, which no one will publish when it's done. Whelpdale I meet occasionally.
Jasper changed the topic of conversation, and presently Whelpdale was able to talk with more calmness. The young man, since his association with Fleet & Co., had become fertile in suggestions of literary enterprise, and at present he was occupied with a project of special hopefulness.
'How much shall you charge for the course? asked Reardon. 'That'll depend. I shan't refuse a guinea or two; but some people may be made to pay five, perhaps. Someone knocked at the door, and a voice said: 'A letter for you, Mr Whelpdale. He started up, and came back into the room with face illuminated. 'Yes, it's from Birmingham; posted this morning. Look what an exquisite hand she writes!
Whelpdale, also, would perchance know where Biffen lived, but Whelpdale's address he had also forgotten. At night there were long periods of delirium; not mere confused muttering, but continuous talk which the listeners could follow perfectly.
'Based on what you think compatibility? 'Yes. Not strong enough to make me lose sight of prudence and advantage. No, not strong enough for that. He seemed to be reassuring himself. 'Then of course that can't be called love, said Whelpdale. 'Perhaps not. But, as I told you, a preference of this kind can be heightened into emotion, if one chooses.
Jasper makes himself more than ever contemptible by marrying her. All the same, in less than three weeks Mrs Whelpdale had called upon Amy, and the call was returned. The two women were perfectly conscious of reciprocal dislike, but they smothered the feeling beneath conventional suavities.
Then there were two pretty girls, Margaret and Charlotte Story, the nieces of old De Whelpdale, the lord of the manor. I think he and Mrs. De Whelpdale never left their room, for I do not remember to have ever seen either of them; nor do I remember that I at all resented their absence from the drawing-room when I used to call at the manor house.
For instance, you might display on a placard: "What the Queen eats!" or "How Gladstone's collars are made!" things of that kind. 'To be sure, to be sure. And then, you know, added Whelpdale, glancing anxiously at Dora, 'when people had been attracted by these devices, they would find a few things that were really profitable.
Whelpdale again looked about the room, but added nothing, and fell into a long silence. When left to himself Jasper walked about a little, then sat down at his writing-table, for he felt easier in mind, and fancied that he might still do a couple of hours' work before going to bed. He did in fact write half-a-dozen lines, but with the effort came back his former mood.
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