"Well?" said he. "Of course it would."
"In any case, our expenses shall be much reduced; of that I am determined," she went on somewhat dreamily, more it seemed in soliloquy than to her husband. "But, with this premium to pay in addition——"
"Jane," he interrupted, "there's not the least necessity for my relaxing my labours. I shall not think of doing it. I may not be very strong, but I am not ill. As to reducing our expenses, I see no help for that, inasmuch as I must draw from them for the premium."
"If you only can keep your health, Edgar, it is certainly what ought to be done—to insure your life. The thought has often crossed me."
"Why did you never suggest it?"
"I scarcely know. I believe I did not like to do so. And I really did not see how the premium was to be paid. How much shall you insure it for?"
"I thought of two thousand pounds. Could we afford more?"
"I think not. What would be the yearly premium for that sum?"
"I don't know. I will ascertain all particulars. What are you sighing about, Jane?"
Jane was sighing heavily. A weight seemed to have fallen upon her. "To talk of life-insurance puts me too much in mind of death," she murmured.