{104}
"Nor me," I confessed.
"I have been wondering if I unconsciously neglected Desire? People say that sometimes causes them to fly the track. I am a busy man. I work hard in an exacting profession. But, as I understand the marriage contract, my work is a part of what I endowed her with. It is my life, myself. We are not children. One does not marry for a playmate, does one? But perhaps women do. Do you think I can have been at fault in this matter?"
My only answer was an impatient snort of protest.
"I supposed she desired companionship with me as I am. Certainly that was what I thought I asked of her. She has such a way of making life seem vivid and interesting that her companionship was good to have," he said.
{105}
Something clutched at my heart strings as I saw the look of inextinguishable longing in his eyes.
"We spoiled her between us, I suspect," he said. "On our heads be it, for it is spoiled that she is. Mr. Raynie, I think of Desire as undisciplined, wayward--not as wanton.--Well, I have a dozen patients yet to see to-night. I must say good night, and thank you."
As he closed the door, I spoke aloud to myself and the witness-chair.
"There goes a gentleman," I said. "It seems they still exist. Confound that niece of mine!"