"I'm going after her," he said sullenly, in a thick voice, "to bring her back home here—alive or dead."
"It will be dead probably, and you'll be exceedingly sorry," returned Talbot in a cutting tone.
Stephen made no answer, but continued fastening his boots.
"You'd better have your supper before you go out again," remarked Talbot, sarcastically.
Stephen made no reply. When he had his boots on he put an extra comforter inside his fur collar, put his cap on, and walked over to the door. There he hesitated and looked back. Talbot sat unmoved by the fire, his profile to the door. Stephen stood for an instant, then came back to the hearth.
"Talbot!" he said, standing in front of him.
The other looked up. "Well?"
"Come with me. Help me to find her and bring her back."
Talbot compressed his lips.
"Aren't you capable of managing your own 'wife yourself?" he asked.