‘But you have a choice.’
‘None has yet been offered me.’
‘Then I offer it now,’ said Reardon, speaking less aggressively. ‘I shall have a dwelling rent free, and a hundred and fifty pounds a year—perhaps it would be more in keeping with my station if I say that I shall have something less than three pounds a week. You can either accept from me half this money, as up to now, or come and take your place again as my wife. Please to decide what you will do.’
‘I will let you know by letter in a few days.’
It seemed impossible to her to say she would return, yet a refusal to do so involved nothing less than separation for the rest of their lives. Postponement of decision was her only resource.
‘I must know at once,’ said Reardon.
‘I can’t answer at once.’
‘If you don’t, I shall understand you to mean that you refuse to come to me. You know the circumstances; there is no reason why you should consult with anyone else. You can answer me immediately if you will.’
‘I don’t wish to answer you immediately,’ Amy replied, paling slightly.
‘Then that decides it. When I leave you we are strangers to each other.’