“I have something to think about.  I find I must go back to Canada very soon.”

Muriel made an abrupt movement.  “You are going away!  But we thought—­” She paused and resumed:  “Does Helen know?”

“Not yet; I must tell her.  It will cost me something to leave, but I’ve got to go.  Perhaps you had better see what Kerr has to say.”

He gave her the letter, and after waiting until she had read it, went on:  “I can’t let this chance pass; I want the money.”

“I think I understand,” said Muriel.  “Still you haven’t told me much.”

He was silent for a few moments and looked very grave, but she had for some time imagined that he was bearing a strain.

“Well,” he said, “I’m up against things and can’t see my way.  That is, I do see where I mean to go, but don’t know if I ought.”

“The problem’s not exactly new.  However, if you will state it clearly.”

“I’ll try,” said Festing.  “One can trust you; in fact, I wanted to tell you before.”

He explained his difficulties, practical and moral, and when he finished Muriel said:  “It comes to this—­You are in love with Helen and mean to marry her, but hesitate because you fear she may find the life too hard.”

“It’s a big risk for an English girl.  She must give up everything, while I have all to gain.”

“But suppose she were willing?”

“The trouble is that she doesn’t know what she may have to bear.”

Muriel smiled.  “It’s a risk that many girls must run.  But after all it depends upon what she values most.”

“Comfort, leisure, refined friends, and other things you enjoy here are worth much to a girl.”

“All this is true,” Muriel agreed, and pausing, continued with a blush:  “Still these things don’t satisfy every need, and perhaps my example may be some encouragement.  Fred isn’t very clever and will probably never be rich, but I’d sooner face poverty with him than marry a prince.”

Festing bowed.  “Thank you for that!  Fred’s a very good sort.  I knew you had pluck.”

“I really think Helen is pluckier and stronger than me.  But I imagine you have already made up your mind.”

“I have; for all that, I’m afraid.  If I have bad luck, Helen will have to pay.  I know she was willing to marry Charnock, but she was very young then and he was rich compared with me.”

“Then I suppose a little money would be a useful help?”

“It would, in one way,” Festing agreed.  “The trouble is that I haven’t much; only enough to make a fair start if I’m economical.”

For a moment Muriel looked amused, but her seriousness returned.  “We’ll let that go.  You seem to forget that you don’t stand alone.  I should have found it hard to forgive Fred if he had decided whether he ought to marry or not, without consulting me.  It’s a girl’s right, not her lover’s, to say what she values most and how much she is willing to bear.  If Helen loves you, she’s entitled to be given the choice.”