“Last of all, he said you must give him your answer promptly, for he would not be long in this country.”
“As to that, time is fully as pressing to me as to him. The only question is, Can we make no better terms with him?”
“You mean more money?”.
“Of course I mean more money. Could you make him say one thousand, or at least eight hundred, instead of five?”
“It would not be a pleasant mission,” said she, with a bitter smile.
“I suppose not; a ruined man's wife need not look for many 'pleasant missions,' as you call them. This same one of to-day was not over-gratifying.”
“Less even than you are aware,” said she, slowly.
“Oh, I can very well imagine the tone and manner of the old fellow; how much of rebuke and severity he could throw into his voice; and how minutely and painstakingly he would dwell upon all that could humiliate you.”
“No; you are quite wrong. There was not a word of reproach, not a syllable of blame; his manner was full of gentle and pitying kindness, and when he tried to comfort and cheer me, it was like the affection of a father.”
“Where, then, was this great trial and suffering of which you have just said I could take no full measure?”