“And you warned me. Don’t think for a moment I’m complaining or regretting. I was only answering your question. Do you realize, dear, we shall have been married eight years day after to-morrow?” “So we have, Edna. And what a blessing our marriage has been to me!” “We have been very happy.” Then, she said, after a pause, as though she had been making up her mind to put the question, “You are really content, Morgan?” “Content?” he echoed, “with you, Edna?” “Not with me as me, but with us both together; with our progress, and with what we stand for as human beings?” “I think so. That is, relatively speaking, and provided I understand correctly what you mean.” She had not resumed her work, and her eager, resolute expression indicated that she was preparing to push the conversation to a more crucial point. “I suppose what I mean is, would you, if we were going to start over again, do just as you have--devote yourself to science?” “Oh!” Morgan flushed. “I don’t see the use of considering that conundrum. I have devoted myself to science and there is no help for it, even if I were dissatisfied.” “No present help.” “No help at any time, Edna. But why resurrect this ghost? We burned our bridges at the altar.” “We did. And don’t misunderstand me, dear. I’m not flinching, I’m not even regretting, as I said to you before. Perhaps it may seem to you brutal--which is worse than Casaubonish--to ask you such a question. Still, we’re husband and wife, and on an anniversary like this why isn’t it sensible to look matters squarely in the face, and consider whether we’ve been wise or not? You ask the use. Are we not both seeking the truth?” “Just as a tradesman takes an account of stock to ascertain whether he is bankrupt. I suppose you are thinking of the children and--and you admitted that you are a little tired yourself.” “I wasn’t thinking of any one. I was simply considering the question as an abstract proposition--by the light, of course, of our experience.” “It is hard for you, Edna; yes, it is hard. I often think of it.” “But I shouldn’t mind its being hard if I were sure we were wise--justified.” Morgan leaned toward her and said with grave intensity, “How, dear, are the great truths of science to be ascertained unless men--men and their wives--are willing to delve lovingly, to sacrifice comforts, and even endure hardships in pursuit of them?” Edna drew a deep breath. “But you must answer me a question. How are children to be educated, and their minds, bodies, and manners guarded and formed in the ideal way on a small income such as ours?” “I thought it was the children.”