Ah, he wouldn't take that as parallel. His silence there was to be her fault, too. Only his cold, dead side toward me—Catherine had again that phantasy that he had swung in his orbit. If I go under now, it's for all time. He must swing back to find me as I am, now. Pride poured through her, hardening in the mold of her intention.
"I hadn't spoken of this field work," she said, clearly, "because I had to think it out first. Dr. Roberts offered me the opportunity a week ago. I did not suppose he took my assent for granted. Although he knows I couldn't refuse it unless the work meant nothing to me."
"But what is it? You——"
Catherine explained. She was clear, hard, swift.
"You have evidently made up your mind to go."
She nodded.
"I can arrange things here so that the children will be cared for. And the house will run, just as when I am in town. It's only for a month."
Charles got slowly to his feet, his mouth obdurate.
"Charles, won't you talk it over with me?"
"I have nothing to say. You seem to lay aside your obligations lightly. But if you are content——"