"Of course, I like it, but——"
"Weren't you doing the same thing before you had a family? Wouldn't you be doing it if you should lose them? Isn't it your pride that you work solely for love of science?"
He looked disconcerted assent.
"Then the fact is, you spend most of your income on your own amusement, as much as if you drank it."
He reflected. "That never occurred to me before," said he. "Possibly I have viewed it too one-sidedly. I must think it over and see."
She shrugged her shoulders. "Pray don't, on my account."
He made no reply, put forward no further objections to her going, though the next morning developed a driving sleet. As she and Winchie were about to get into the carriage he asked; "How long will you be gone?"
"Until I feel better."
"If you are ill, you must not go in this weather."
She looked at him strangely. "If I were dying I should go," was her slow reply.