She said: “If you marry me I shall have to get unmarried first—somehow or other——”
“Where is—this man?”
“I don’t know, darling.... This was how it all occurred——”
Now, sullenly, and in silence he listened to the sordid story of the marriage of Eris.
She told it without resentment—and with the candour and brevity of a child.
Always it had seemed to her as though she had been merely a witness of the miserable affair and not personally concerned. And she told it in that manner.
“You see, it really doesn’t count,” she concluded. “I was so ignorant that it meant nothing to me at the time. I scarcely ever think of it, now. Barry.... I want you to love me.... But if you had rather not marry me——”
He reddened: “What alternative do you suggest?”
“Why—this!—as we are.... It leaves us both free to work——”