“I didn’t know things were like this.” “Of course you didn’t!” said Bertha, scornfully. “Because I smiled and hid my sorrow, you thought I was happy. When I look back on the wretchedness I’ve gone through, I wonder that I can ever have borne it.” “I can’t believe that this is very serious. You’ll be of a different mind to-morrow, and wonder that such things ever entered your head. You mustn’t mind an old chap like me telling you that you’re very headstrong and impulsive. After all, Edward is a fine fellow, and I can’t believe that he would willingly hurt your feelings.” “Oh, for heaven’s sake don’t give me more of Edward’s praises.” “I wonder if you’re a little jealous of the way he’s got on?” asked the doctor, looking at her sharply. Bertha blushed, for she had asked herself the same question, and much scorn was needed to refute it. “I? My dear doctor, you forget! Oh, don’t you understand that it isn’t a passing whim? It’s dreadfully serious to me--I’ve borne the misery till I can bear it no longer. You must help me to get away. If you have any of your old affection for me, do what you can. I want to go away; but I don’t want to have any more rows with Edward; I just want to leave him quietly. It’s no good trying to make him understand that we’re incompatible. He thinks that it’s enough for my happiness just to be his wife. He’s of iron, and I am pitifully weak.... I used to think myself so strong!” “Am I to take it that you’re absolutely serious? Do you want to take the extreme step of separating from your husband?” “It’s an extreme step that I’ve taken before. Last time I went with a flourish of trumpets, but now I want to go without any fuss at all. I still loved Edward then, but I have even ceased to hate him. Oh, I knew I was a fool to come back, but I couldn’t help it. He asked me to return, and I did.” “Well, I don’t know what I can do for you. I can’t help thinking that if you wait a little things will get better.” “I can’t wait any longer. I’ve waited too long. I’m losing my whole life.” “Why don’t you go away for a few months, and then you can see? Miss Ley is going to Italy for the winter as usual, isn’t she? Upon my word, I think it would do you good to go too.” “I don’t mind what I do so long as I can get away. I’m suffering too much.” “Have you thought that Edward will miss you?” asked Dr. Ramsay, gravely. “No, he won’t. Good heavens, don’t you think I know him by now? I know him through and through. And he’s callous, and selfish, and stupid. And he’s making me like himself.... Oh, Dr. Ramsay, please help me.” “Does Miss Ley know?” asked the doctor, remembering what she had told him on her visit to Court Leys. “No, I’m sure she doesn’t. She thinks we adore one another. And I don’t want her to know. I’m such a coward now. Years ago I never cared a straw for what any one in the world thought of me; but my spirit is utterly broken. Oh, get me away from here, Dr. Ramsay, get me away.”