"If you were a man you would attend to it without my sanction. But some one in this house must see to things, and if you won't the burden must devolve on my shoulders."
"As you please," said Fane, and sat down on the floor beside Minnie. "It's pleasant enough playing with this darling."
"I believe your brain is softening," said his wife, with a shadow of anxiety. "Why don't you go for a yachting tour?"
"I shall never yacht again, Julia. You will no longer have to complain of my long absences. When is the house to be sold?"
"In a month. I am arranging the business now. We will then go to Switzerland."
"I hate Switzerland."
"Since you have decided to yacht no more, it doesn't matter if you live there," said Mrs. Fane. "But you can choose your own place of residence. It's all one to me, so long as I can see after the business."
"I don't see that we need go abroad at all," said Fane sullenly.
"I see the necessity, and a very great one," retorted Mrs. Fane, with a flash of her eyes. "Be guided by me, Walter. I know what is good for you. And do get up from the floor. Laura will be in soon."
"Fane rose reluctantly. I was sleeping this afternoon," he said, and yet feel tired. "I think I'll dine at the club and go to the theatre."