“David,” said Elizabeth, “what did you mean by ‘doing your best’?”
David met her eyes. He had always liked Elizabeth’s eyes. They were so very clear.
“I meant that I’d do my best to make you a good husband,” he said quite simply.
Elizabeth’s colour rose higher still. She continued to look at David, because she would have considered it cowardly to look away.
“A good husband to my good wife,” she said. “But, David, I don’t think you want a wife just now.”
David came across the room and sat down by the table at which Elizabeth was working.
“Then why did you marry me, Elizabeth?” he asked.
Elizabeth did not turn her head at once.
“I think what we both want just now,” she said, “is friendship.” Her voice was low, but she kept it steady. “The sort of friendship that is one side of marriage. It is not really possible for a man and a woman to be friends in that sort of way unless they are married. I think you want a friend—I know I do. I think you have been very lonely—one is lonely, and it is worse for a man. He can’t get the home-feeling, and he misses it. You did not marry me because you needed a wife. I don’t think you do. When you want a wife, I will be your wife, but just now——”
She broke off. She did not look at David, but David looked at her. He saw how tightly her hands were clasped, he saw the colour flushing in her cheeks. She had great self-control, but that she was deeply moved was very evident.