"We understood the old Jack well enough," Markham responded. "But there comes a crisis in some men's lives when their whole nature undergoes a complete change. It doesn't always last; they often go back to the original state which means disappointment, and sometimes disillusionment too. I don't mean that St. John is likely to go back, I was merely--" "Preparing me," suggested Jill. "No; wandering off into personal experience--a mistake at any time, unpardonable under existing circumstances. I won't forget to advertise the show, old man," he continued turning to St. John, "and, if I may, will book to-day fortnight for a sitting. I rather enjoy having my portrait taken, and don't mind promising to become a regular customer. I think I can bring some others as well." "Thanks awfully," answered St. John. "It will be good for me if I can introduce some fresh customers. I have posted the old man a card. Wouldn't it be a huge joke if I had the honour of photographing my own father?" Jill made a little grimace, and then the three of them laughed uproariously till Markham, raising his glass on high, drank to the health and prosperity of bride and bridegroom, and confusion to their enemies. "It is rather unfortunate having enemies at the outset of one's married life, don't you think?" observed Jill a little wistfully. "Well, I don't know; I always fancy an enemy or two enhance, by comparison, the value of one's friends." "Yes, perhaps--if one has friends." "You cannot persuade me that _you_ will not find plenty as you go through life," Markham answered gallantly. "They are a long time coming," she rejoined with a smile, "but that is generally the case where money is scarce, isn't it? And Jack and I are horribly poor. We are going to live over the shop, you know, in three rooms and a kitchen. We are lucky to get so many; old Thompkins--" "My dear Jill," interposed her husband, "you must really learn to speak more respectfully of the head of the firm." "Old Thompkins," went on Jill imperturbably, "has only two. But then, of course, he's a bachelor. I think I shall flirt with him! it might be a stroke of business, eh?" Markham and St. John both laughed. "You're all right," ejaculated the former. "You can safely leave yourself in your wife's hands; it is not difficult to foresee that old Thompkins will be speedily bowled out." "He might be a misogynist," suggested Jill. "They are the easiest to get over because they imagine themselves invulnerable," he replied. "I knew one once, but he married long ago. I forgot to ask him to explain the inconsistency, but it seems to have answered very well." "I'm glad of that," said Jill gravely. Then catching his eye she smiled. "It would have been such a strong point against us if he had found it a mistake after all," she explained.