For a moment he was silent.
“How can you live if I don’t know where you are?” he asked. “You have no money of your own. I must send you some.”
“I know you have considered it your duty to make me an allowance,” she replied, “and in my candid opinion that is still your duty. If, however, you persist in coming to see me I shall make it impossible for you to send me money by going away where you will be unable to find me. I can work. It might be better for me to do so. You can decide.”
“I shall send you the money,” he said stubbornly.
“And not attempt to see me—you promise?”
“You force me into giving the promise. I can’t let my wife work for her living, or starve.”
She got up from her chair.
“Very well, then, that is understood. I’ve taken you by surprise this afternoon. I think I have surprised myself. At present you resent my interference with your conscience. Later you will feel the relief. Now, though your hour is not yet up, it would be wiser if we said good-bye.”
He got to his feet. The whole interview had been so unexpected he was feeling a little dazed.
“Good-bye, Jasper.” She held out her hand.