"He didn't turn her out, she turned herself out. I had the story from his own lips."
"So had I. To all intents and purposes he turned her out, however he may have put it to himself or to you."
"He asked her to marry him, and she wouldn't."
"He asked her not once or twice, but again and again, until he made it plain that his house was no place for her unless she meant to be his wife. So, as she didn't, there was nothing for her but to go."
"It was a fool business."
"On both sides. Why he wanted to marry her I don't know. I never do know why a man wants to marry. I'd sooner have a buzz saw in every room in the house than a wife in one. Why she wouldn't marry him, I know still less."
"There was the difference in their years. Then he was already threatening to be what he afterwards became--physically, I mean."
"Well, what of it? If a girl in her position has to marry, I should say that there are two things which she ought to look for first of all--money, and a sick husband; if possible, one who is already sick unto death. In Grahame she'd have had both."
There was silence, as if both parties were giving to Mr. McTavish's words the consideration due to a profound aphorism. It was the doctor who spoke next.
"He always believed that she would come back again, saying yes."