“After all this struggle?” said her father.
“I’ve been thinking,” answered Clarinda.
“What! Women should not think, for it is bad for them,” her father put in smilingly.
“I’ve been thinking of many things lately,” she replied.
“Name one of these things, Clarinda,” Peter said banteringly.
“Everything is all wrong,” said Clarinda, as she left the table. She walked about with a nervous step. “Do you remember, Father, when I was married, you said that I was not dying, but that it was a rebirth?”
“Yes, I remember, Clarinda,” answered her father. “What is the trouble? You know my method, I always believe that there is nothing so good as an out-and-out discussion, if anyone feels in a wrong situation. It clarifies things and leaves no room for misunderstanding,” he said looking into Clarinda’s eyes. “People who are married drift into situations just on this account, because they refuse to speak of them. Now, tell us what it is you are thinking.”
“You are talking at random, trying to conjure up something that doesn’t exist. I know of no difficulty. Everything seems to me to be as calm as a summer’s day,” broke in Peter.
“There is a rift,” answered her father. “Let’s find it.”
“You are a pessimist. Where can there be a rift when two people are satisfied and understand each other perfectly?”