"Oh never! It would be as if I asked him to give us a practical proof."
"I shall never prove anything by marrying any one," Nick said. "For me that question's over."
Miriam rested kind eyes on him. "Dear me, how you must hate me!" And before he had time to reply she went on to her mother: "People marry them to make them leave the stage; which proves exactly what I say."
"Ah they offer them the finest positions," reasoned Mrs. Rooth.
"Do you want me to leave it then?"
"Oh you can manage if you will!"
"The only managing I know anything about is to do my work. If I manage that decently I shall pull through."
"But, dearest, may our work not be of many sorts?"
"I only know one," said Miriam.
At this her mother got up with a sigh. "I see you do wish to drive me into the street."