"Perhaps."
"Well, I think that now little Bernard is old enough to do a little while without me, and what I have to propose is, that you send me in the country, to visit our friends,
and to regain my health, which you know is sadly impaired, while Minny stays home, and takes care of you, and plays mother to baby; what say you?"
"And leave me a widower?"
"Just a little while."
"And why not take the boy and Minny with you?"
"Oh, that would never do. Must leave my cares behind, when I go for my health, you know."
"Poor child! it seems strange to hear you talking of cares, you who were born to so much wealth and luxury."
"Hush, hush! you musn't talk so. Happy cares mine are, and you know it, though not just the ones to take with me on a visit. Now confess, that you never knew a happier little wife than yours, or a more joyous little household than ours."
"True, in spite of our poverty."