John Hungerford's face had changed many times from crimson to white as he sat spellbound while his wife poured forth this passionate revelation of her inmost self to him.
"Do you mean that you would not, under any circumstances, seek a divorce from me?" he inquired, shifting uneasily in his chair, when she ceased.
"Yes, that is what I mean."
"Suppose—that I should seek a divorce for myself?"
Helen's hand clenched spasmodically within the sock she had been mending.
"I should still hold myself bound by my vows to you," she said, with white lips.
The man shrugged his shoulders uncomfortably.
"Just what did you mean by saying that things cannot go on any longer as they are going with us now?" he questioned.
"I meant that it devolves upon you to assume your share of the burden of providing for your family; that I will not support you in idleness any longer."
This was surely straightforward speaking, and John regarded his wife curiously for a moment. Hitherto she had been so patient and yielding he had not believed her capable of taking such a stand.