Hadley nodded approvingly.
"I think she puts the case pretty well," he remarked. "It's a strong argument in favor of the legal separation."
"I beg to differ," said Stafford dryly. Rising with a yawn, he went on: "Half the marital troubles one hears about are the fault of the wife. She is often too exacting, too fond of meddling in her husband's affairs. A man who respects himself bends to no one—not even to his wife." With another yawn he added: "Will you two excuse me for a few minutes? I have a letter to write."
Without waiting for an answer, he turned on his heel and walked into the library, closing the door behind him. Hadley puffed away at his cigar in silence, while Virginia gazed thoughtfully into the fire. Presently Hadley said:
"Bob's in an argumentative mood to-night."
Virginia sighed as she replied:
"Yes—he has not much patience. He always takes the stand that man is the master, that women should have no will of their own."
Hadley shook his head as he replied:
"Old-fashioned notion that. The quicker he gets rid of it the better."
Virginia looked at him without speaking. There was an inquiring, wistful expression in her face, as if she longed to unbosom herself to someone, and yet had no one close enough, intimate enough in whom she could confide. Presently she said: