I
have been doing an exhaustive review of Roman literature for one of the
quarterlies, and the subject involved a little more reading than I was
quite prepared for."
"And you have really not been ill?"
"Not in the least. I am never ill."
He pushed aside his papers, and sat with his elbow on the desk and his
head leaning on his hand, waiting for Gilbert to talk. He was evidently
in one of those silent moods which were common to him at times.
Gilbert told him of his Melbourne troubles, and of his immediate
departure. The announcement roused him from his absent humour. He dropped
his arm from the table suddenly, and sat looking full at Gilbert with a
very intent expression.
"This is strange news," he said, "and it will cause the postponement of
your marriage, I suppose?"
"Unhappily, yes; that is unavoidable. Hard lines, isn't it, Jack?"
"Well, yes; I daresay the separation seems rather a hardship; but you are
young enough to stand a few months' delay. When do you sail?"
"To-morrow."
"So soon?"
"Yes. It is a case in which everything depends upon rapidity of action. I
leave Liverpool to-morrow afternoon. I came up from Lidford to-day on
purpose to spend a few farewell hours with you. And I have been thinking,
Jack, that you might run down to Liverpool with me to-morrow, and see the
last of me, eh, old fellow?"
John Saltram hesitated, looking doubtfully at his papers.
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