He could not say.
Annulment proceedings, not yet begun, never, of course, were.
The status of Eris, its solution and dissolution, had been effected by another solution. Coal-tar. Chemistry had sundered the tie which, we are instructed, God alone manufactures.
When they arrived at No. 3 Governor’s Place, Eris went into the guest-room, where, centuries ago, she had lain abed under the roof of a man whose name even she did not know.
“I want to lie down before dinner, Barry. May I?”
“Yes. Can Mrs. Sniffen do anything for you?”
But the girl said no, and turned down the lace spread. So Annan lowered the shades and went out to his study.
At dinner Eris appeared very much herself, smiling, gaily inquisitive concerning Annan’s conduct during her recent absence, tenderly diverted to hear how intolerable he had found those few weeks without her. He became emphatic in recollection of his solitary misery.