Annie sighed and leaned her head on her hand. Wearily she said:
"I was thinking over all what we've been through together, and what they're saying about us——"
Howard threw down his newspaper impatiently.
"Let them say what they like. Why should we care as long as we're happy?"
His wife smiled sadly.
"Are we happy?" she asked gently.
"Of course we are," replied Howard.
She looked up and smiled. It was good to hear him say so, but did he mean it? Was she doing right to stand in the way of his career? Would he not be happier if she left him? He was too loyal to suggest it, but perhaps in his heart he desired it. Looking at him tenderly, she went on:
"I don't question your affection for me, Howard. I believe you love me, but I'm afraid that, sooner or later, you'll ask yourself the question all your friends are asking now, the question everybody seems to be asking."
"What question?" demanded Howard.