“One changes,” she said.
“Possibly! Possibly you may have whims. But you still have to convince me of the importance of the change. I merely don’t believe in your love of Duncan Forbes.”
“But why should you believe in it? You have only to divorce me, not to believe in my feelings.”
“And why should I divorce you?”
“Because I don’t want to live here any more. And you really don’t want me.”
“Pardon me! I don’t change. For my part, since you are my wife, I should prefer that you should stay under my roof in dignity and quiet. Leaving aside personal feelings, and I assure you, on my part it is leaving aside a great deal, it is bitter as death to me to have this order of life broken up, here in Wragby, and the decent round of daily life smashed, just for some whim of yours.”
After a time of silence she said:
“I can’t help it. I’ve got to go. I expect I shall have a child.” He too was silent for a time.
“And is it for the child’s sake you must go?” he asked at length.
She nodded.
“And why? Is Duncan Forbes so keen on his spawn?”
“Surely keener than you would be,” she said.
“But really? I want my wife, and I see no reason for letting her go. If she likes to bear a child under my roof, she is welcome, and the child is