‘He was talking over his plans,’ said Theodora, with an assumption of sullen dignity.
‘I have been wishing to speak to you about that very thing,’ said John. ‘I think you may be in danger of putting yourself between him and his wife.’
It was a new thing to her to hear that this was a danger, but, in an offended manner, she replied, ‘I can hardly be accused of that. He ceases all rational talk about his most important concerns to go to child’s play with her.’
‘But why keep her out of the rational talk?’
‘That is his concern. He knows what she is capable of, I suppose.’
‘I doubt whether he does,’ said John; ‘but I don’t want to interfere with his behaviour, only to give you a caution. It is natural that you should wish to have him what he was before. I knew his marriage was a great blow to you.’
‘I knew he would marry,’ said Theodora, coldly; for she could not bear compassion. ‘It is the common course of things.’
‘And that the wife should be first.’
‘Of course.’
‘Then would it not be better to bear that in mind, and make up your mind to it, rather than try to absorb his confidence?’