“Then what in this world is the matter with you? What do you need more than you have? Of what do you complain?”
“Of nothing, Alick—I complain of nothing. I am out of my senses, I think.”
“I think so too. Here you are in a position that would be envied by hundreds—yes, by thousands, by millions of your sex, as the height of woman’s happiness. You have a comfortable and even an elegant home; and I mean to settle it on you also. You have a luxurious table, a splendid wardrobe, attentive servants, horses, carriages—what in the world can you want in addition to these?”
“Only a little more of my husband’s company, Alick,” she pathetically answered.
“Bosh! You are a Christian, or you profess to be one. You read your Bible. Why don’t you go by it? St. Paul says, ‘Having food and raiment, be therewith content,’ or words to that effect. You have not only food and raiment, but every comfort and luxury that money can buy. Why cannot you be content?”
“Oh, Alick, dear, ye! I have all money can buy. But there are blessings that money cannot purchase. Oh, Alick, I could be content with very much less of this world’s goods than your wealth has given me; I could be happy with very little food and raiment, if only I had more of your society.”
She was weeping softly, with her head bowed upon her hands.
He was still walking up and down the floor.
Presently she got up and met him with her hands held out.
“Do not leave me, Alick, dear—oh, do not leave again so soon. You have made me your wife, and I have no life but in you—none, Alick, none! If you tear me from your heart, I shall wither and die like a plant pulled up by the roots. Oh, take me to your bosom again, for I have no life out of you Alick—Alick—”