“I do not see anything particularly horrid about it. If I should die and live again in the spiritland and should come back and reveal myself to your material sight and talk with you as I do now, would you consider it particularly horrid? That is,� he continued with his pleasant drawl, “supposing I come in immaculate broadcloth, shining boots, etc., and present you with a check for a few thousands to squander in bon-bons.�
“Oh, do stop talking so dreadfully! I will not think about it.�
“Then you will not want me to come back?� he queried provokingly. “Especially if you are wedded to your second, and well provided for?�
“Yes—no—I do not know. I think I should be dreadfully afraid of you if you did.�
“Aren’t you a little afraid of me now? Come, confess. Aren’t you?�
Mrs. Wylie made a grimace.
“No, I hope not, but I am afraid of Dr. Lyman.�
“And why do you fear him?� said her husband, laughing as he bent over and twirled one of her bright curls over his finger. “What do you fear in him?�
“I am afraid he will mesmerize me and make me think as he does. There you have my reason for disliking him, and to go to the Lyceum,� said Elinor, flushing slightly.
Again her husband laughed.