“Presumptuous to be residing in your husband’s house?”
“How can you talk so? The circumstances—”
“The circumstances are precisely what we all of us wish to conceal. It would be ineligible for you to remain under my roof, for mine is a bachelor household.”
“I have no desire to remain under your roof!”
“Then we need not waste time upon that point. You might, with perfect propriety, seek refuge with some relative of your own, but you will be obliged to attend to a good deal of business, and since I shall be joined with you in that, it will be more convenient if you are within reach of this place.”
“I would not go to my relatives in such a predicament as this for any consideration in the world!” Elinor declared with a shudder.
“In that case, you have really no choice in the matter.”
“But how shall I go on in such a place?” she demanded. “I am sure it is quite covered in dust and cobwebs, and very likely overrun with rats and black beetles, for I saw quite enough of it yesterday to convince me that it has been shockingly neglected!”
“Exactly so, and that is one reason why I should be glad to see you there.”
The widow’s bosom swelled. “Is it indeed, my lord? I might have guessed you would say something odious!”