“No. But even if I had, you would be quite safe. Your settlement was a quarter of a million, and that can never be touched,” he answered grimly.
“May I ask the reason of the change you propose?”
“First of all, I shall give up business in the City. As soon as possible I shall retire from all the companies in which I am interested, and shall invest my capital in gilt edged securities that are easily realized. But a great deal of this capital I intend to use, and it is probable that in a few months’ time I shall be only a moderately wealthy man.”
Lady Mildred had listened with eager attention, and was evidently very puzzled by the announcement.
“It is certain that you can do as you like with your money. As you say, I and the child are provided for by the settlement,” she remarked frigidly.
Gaunt was silent and there was a hesitating look in his eyes for he was wondering if it were possible to tell his wife of the vow that he had made; but it was certain that she would not understand, and so the idea was quickly abandoned.
“Mildred, I had hoped that we were going to be better friends,” he said impulsively.
“Is that possible, John? I think we are a model couple for I cannot remember that we have ever quarrelled,” she answered nervously.
“I wish that you cared for me sufficiently—to quarrel. I sometimes wonder if you suspect how much I love you. A few days ago—when you were so ill—I imagined that, that you loved me even as I love you.”
“My dear, I am afraid that you are growing sentimental. Really, John, you are full of surprises. Of course I love you.”