She looked at him—sallow, and frowning.
Melrose pushed her into the passage and drew the door to, behind him, so that the carpenter might not hear.
"Ten or twelve pounds! Do you expect I get money off the hedges? Can't you be content here like a reasonable woman, without getting me into debt?"
Netta laughed and tossed her head.
"You shouldn't leave your business letters about!"
"What do you mean?"
"There was a cheque among your papers one day last week!—I saw it before you could hide it away. It was for £3,000—a dividend from something—a coal mine, I think. And the week before you had another—"
Her husband's eyes shed lightnings.
"I'll not have you prying into my affairs!" he said violently. "All I have is wanted—and more."
"And nothing of course—to give me—your wife!—for any comforts or pleasures! That never enters into your head!"