‘Not unless you make a fortune,’ she replied laughingly. ‘It is mine for my life, as you know; but the estate is so terribly saddled with annuities to Sir Blount’s distant relatives, one of whom will succeed me here, that I have practically no more than my own little private income to exist on.’
‘And are you bound to occupy the house?’
‘Not bound to. But I must not let it on lease.’
‘And was there any stipulation in the event of your re-marriage?’
‘It was not mentioned.’
‘It is satisfactory to find that you lose nothing by marrying me, at all events, dear Viviette.’
‘I hope you lose nothing either—at least, of consequence.’
‘What have I to lose?’
‘I meant your liberty. Suppose you become a popular physicist (popularity seems cooling towards art and coquetting with science now-a-days), and a better chance offers, and one who would make you a newer and brighter wife than I am comes in your way. Will you never regret this? Will you never despise me?’
Swithin answered by a kiss, and they again went on; proceeding like a couple of burglars, lest they should draw the attention of the cook or Green.