"She didn't answer for about a minute. Then says she: 'You've been meeting some of your old friends, James, I'm afraid, and they've been persuading you to go back into the City.' "'No, Mrs. Wrench,' says he; 'no more City for me, and no more neighbourhood of Grosvenor Square, unless it be in the way of business; and that couldn't be, of course, for a good long while to come.' "'What do you mean by business?' asks she. "'The hotel business,' replies he. 'I believe I know the bearings by now. I've saved a bit, thanks to you, Mrs. Wrench, and a bit's come in from the wreck that I never hoped for.' "'Enough to start you?' asks she. "'Not quite enough for that,' answers he. 'My idea is a small partnership.' "'How much is it altogether?' says she, 'if it's not an impertinent question.' "'Not at all,' answers he. 'It tots up to 900 pounds about.' "She turns back to her desk and goes on with her writing. "'Dover wouldn't suit you, I suppose?' says she without looking round. "'Dover's all right,' says he, 'if the business is a good one.' "'It can be worked up into one of the best things going,' says she, 'and I'm getting it dirt cheap. You can have a third share for a thousand pounds, that's just what it's costing, and owe me the other hundred." "'And what position do I take?' says he. "'If you come in on those terms,' says she, 'then, of course, it's a partnership.' "He rose and came over to her. 'Life isn't all business, Susan,' says he. "'I've found it so mostly,' says she. "'Fourteen years ago,' says he, 'I made the mistake; now you're making it.' "'What mistake am I making?' says she. "'That man's the only thing as can't learn a lesson,' says he. "'Oh,' says she, 'and what's the lesson that you've learnt?' "'That I never get on without you, Susan,' says he. "'Well,' says she, 'you suggested a partnership, and I agreed to it. What more do you want?' "'I want to know the name of the firm,' says he. "'Mr. and Mrs. Wrench,' says she, turning round to him and holding out her hand. 'How will that suit you?' "'That'll do me all right,' answers he. 'And I'll try and give satisfaction,' adds he. "'I believe you,' says she. "And in that way they made a fresh start, as it were." THE WOOING OF TOM SLEIGHT'S WIFE.