At length he stood up, and declared that he too must be off.

This coincidence had happened once before when he met Marian here in the evening.
'At all events, you won't do any more work to-night,' said Dora.
'No; I shall read a page of something or other over a glass of whisky, and seek the sleep of a man who has done his duty.' 'Why the whisky ?' asked Maud.
'Do you grudge me such poor solace ?' 'I don't see the need of it.' 'Nonsense, Maud!' exclaimed her sister.

'He needs a little stimulant when he works so hard.' Each of the girls gave Marian's hand a significant pressure as she took leave of them, and begged her to come again as soon as she had a free evening.

There was gratitude in her eyes.
The evening was clear, and not very cold.
'It's rather late for you to go home,' said Jasper, as they left the house.

'May I walk part of the way with you ?' Marian replied with a low 'Thank you.' 'I think you get on pretty well with the girls, don't you ?' 'I hope they are as glad of my friendship as I am of theirs.' 'Pity to see them in a place like that, isn't it?
They ought to have a good house, with plenty of servants.