THE WOUNDED MAN AND HIS BETTER HALF.
In the course of a day or two Doctor Bourne was sufficiently recovered to sally forth and attend to his professional duties. He was in no very amiable frame of mind, and his temper was not improved when he learnt from Mr. Wrench that Rawton had not been arrested. He offered a handsome reward for his apprehension, albeit he was in no way concerned in the charge of horse stealing, but he was furious when he thought of his assailant, whom he hated with no common hate. Rawton had deceived him. He had done more than this, he had insulted him, and committed a violent assault. All this was bad enough, but a number of other circumstances conspired to irritate the doctor, which filled his bitter cup to overflowing.
Mrs. Bourne had, of course, a fine time of it. She saw as little as possible of her selfish and overbearing partner.
He was morose and snarlish; answering her in short sentences, and treating her with the utmost contempt. At length, however, after a few days had passed over, he became more outspoken.
“And so, madam,” he said one afternoon, “you and your worthless infamous champion and protector have done your worst. You have chosen a thief and a ruffian of the very worst type for your companion. It is a pity you did not take yourself off with him. I should then be rid of a pest and a nuisance.”
“I am perfectly well aware, sir,” said Mrs. Bourne, indignantly, “that my presence here is obnoxious to you. I would gladly go, and would be thankful to be released from this odious thraldom.”
“Then why the devil don’t you go? Nobody wants you to stop. I am sure I don’t,” he added, sarcastically.
“You wish to be rid of me, and have done so for a long time past. Do not for a moment imagine, sir, that I do not know the reason. If you were an honourable man, which you are not, you would at once agree to a separation.”
“Agree! ’gad it would be the most desirable thing that could happen. Agree, indeed!”
“You had five thousand pounds settled on you on the day I became your wife. Resign that, or a portion of it, and the tie which binds us can be dissolved. You are then a free man, and will be at liberty to marry the rich lady upon whom you have an eye. Upon that condition I will resign all claim to you.”