“How silly you are, Harry! When have I said anything like that to you?” “You did only a few minutes ago.” “I did not mean it. I think it is a pity for you, who are devoted to the life of a country gentleman, to give up all your pleasures just to settle down to a life which would not suit you.” “But it isn’t just for that, Annie; that is where you’re wrong. If I cared for nothing but the country, I should stay there. I can get on without horses, though I am fond of riding and driving, as you know; and I can get on without dogs, though I miss old Ponto every other minute; but I can’t get on without you, Annie. I have tried, but it is no good; so, as you won’t come into the country with me, I must come to town to you.” Annie was silent, more puzzled by, than grateful for, this devotion. Then she said, in a low voice: “I can’t accept such a sacrifice, Harry.” “Then will you come back to the Grange with me?” “I can’t do that. I have accepted an engagement, and I must go through with it.” “What makes you so much more particular about the engagement which binds you to act so many times a week for a certain manager than about the one you are under to me, your husband?” “That is not fair. You allowed me to make this engagement.” “Well, I don’t ask you to break it. All I ask is to let me stay with you and take care of you.” “But, Harry dear, you would be very uncomfortable here. The rooms are so small and so shabby----” “Well, come with me to the Bingham Hotel; they have nice big rooms there, and we shall be very comfortable.” “But they are frightfully expensive!” “Never mind that. George forked out this morning; he had kept me very short for a long time, so he gave me a check, and told me it was the last I should see of his money--with a black look, to prevent the pleasure from being too much for me. That is just like George, you know.” “But perhaps he meant it; and, if so, you ought to be careful.” “So I will be careful, and you shall help me. I’ll give it all to you to take care of as soon as I get it cashed. Fifty pounds will last a long time.” “And before that is gone I shall be earning a better salary than I ever had in my life!” said Annie. “But I sha’n’t live upon your money. Do you think I would sponge upon my wife? I am not going to give you a chance of despising me again.” “Then what will you do when the fifty pounds are gone?” “Write to George for some more, of course.” “But supposing he could not or would not send you any more?” “Supposing the skies were to fall? Go and pack up your trunks, my darling, and we’ll go off and have a new honeymoon--only this time you shall have a kind husband instead of a cross one!”