“You’re so good-natured if any one but your wife is concerned.”
“Well, dear, I can’t stay arguing. I shall be late already.”
“You’re not really going?” It had been impossible for Bertha to realise that Edward would carry out his intention.
“I must, my dear; it’s my duty.”
“You have more duty to me than to any one else.... Oh, Eddie, don’t go. You can’t realise all it means to me.”
“I must. I’m not going because I want to. I shall be back in an hour.”
He bent down to kiss her, and she flung her arms round his neck, bursting into tears.
“Oh, please don’t go—if you love me at all, if you’ve ever loved me.... Don’t you see that you’re destroying my love for you?”
“Now, don’t be silly, there’s a good girl.”
He loosened her arms and walked away; but rising from the sofa she followed him and took his arm, beseeching him to stay.