‘I have never said that in so many words, but no doubt it is understood. It must be known also that you refused to take the step which might have helped you out of your difficulties.’
‘What step?’
She reminded him of his intention to spend half a year in working at the seaside.
‘I had utterly forgotten it,’ he returned with a mocking laugh. ‘That shows how ridiculous such a thing would have been.’
‘You are doing no literary work at all?’ Amy asked.
‘Do you imagine that I have the peace of mind necessary for anything of that sort?’
This was in a changed voice. It reminded her so strongly of her husband before his disasters that she could not frame a reply.
‘Do you think I am able to occupy myself with the affairs of imaginary people?’
‘I didn’t necessarily mean fiction.’
‘That I can forget myself, then, in the study of literature?—I wonder whether you really think of me like that. How, in Heaven’s name, do you suppose I spend my leisure time?’