"In coming here I expected this, so I came prepared."
"Let me hear your alternative."
"A separation."
She started; not at the word—that she had heard before—but at the quiet, dogged resolution of the tone. A flush of angry pride ran over her cheeks and brow.
"It is very terrible, your alternative!" she said, ironically.
"Are you prepared to accept it?"
"Perfectly."
"Very well, then, in that case, I have only to see about the settlements, and in a week or two, at the farthest, the affair can be arranged."
He put back his snuff-box into his huge pocket, as he said this, and walked out of the room with a calmness that lent dignity to his lumpish figure.
She drooped her head upon her hand, and reflected. Revolted pride, anger, and fear were struggling in her breast. Irritated as she was by her husband's manner, she could not reflect upon the separation without uneasiness.