"There's a great many things I might have done at the start," said Ellen bitterly—"but I tell you, Joanna, life isn't quite the simple thing you imagine. There was I, married to a man utterly uncongenial—"
"He wasn't! You're not to miscall Arthur—he's the best man alive."
"I don't deny it—perhaps that is why I found him uncongenial. Anyhow, we were quite unsuited to each other—we hadn't an idea in common."
"You liked him well enough when you married him."
"I've told you before that it's difficult to know anyone thoroughly till one's lived with them."
"Then at that rate, who's to get married—eh?"
"I don't know," said Ellen wearily, "all I know is that I've made two bad mistakes over two different men, and I think the least you can do is to let me forget it—as far as I'm able—and not come here baiting me when I'm dog tired, and absolutely down and out...."
She bowed her face into her hands, and burst into tears. Joanna flung her arms round her—
"Oh, don't you cry, duckie—don't—I didn't mean to bait you. Only I was getting so mortal vexed at you and me walking round each other like two cats and never getting a straight word."
"Jo," ... said Ellen.