“It wasn't funny. That was just what you needed--a woman's strength. I've tried so hard. But I've sometimes thought----” “Go on, old lady.” “I've sometimes thought we never ought to have married.” “Don't say that. Don't you find me good enough? Come Jehane, I've not been a bad sort, now have I?” “I'm accusing myself. I've tried to help you in wrong ways. I've been angry and sharp and nervous. You've come home and attempted to kiss me, and I've driven you out with my temper. And I don't want to do it any more, and yet----” “You're upset.” “No, I'm not. I'm speaking the truth. I've been a bad wife and I had to tell you.” “'Pon my word, can't see how you make that out. You've given me your money to invest through Wagstaff, so he might think I had capital. And you've given me children, and----” “It isn't money that counts. It isn't even children. Heaps of women whose husbands beat them bear them children. It's that I haven't trusted you sufficiently. I haven't loved you.” “I've not complained, so I don't see---- But what's put all this into your head?” “D'you want to know? Seeing Billy and Nan together. They're so different--you can feel it. They're really married, while we--we just live together.” Her voice broke. He put his arms about her, but even then she withdrew herself from him. “Just live together! And isn't that marriage? Whether you're cross or kind to me, Jehane, I'd rather just live with you than be married to any other woman.” “That's the worst of it--I know you would. And I nag at you and I shall go on doing it. I feel I shall--and I do so want to do better.” “Won't money make a difference? That's what's the matter with us, Jehane; we've not had money.” She placed her arms about his neck. “And that's what I started to say, Ocky. You'll do it this time, won't you?” “Make money? Rather. I should think so. Was talking to Playfair only this morning and he---- But look here, what makes you ask that? You'll take all the stuffing out of me if _you_ begin to doubt. Who's been saying anything?” “It isn't what they said.” He lit his pipe and crossed over to the window. In the darkness his outlined figure looked strangely round-shouldered and ineffectual. Her heart sank and her hope became desperate. His voice reached her blustering and muffled. She did wish he would remove his pipe when he spoke to her. “I know. I know. Confound him! He's been throwing cold water on my plans as usual. Wants to see me, does he? Well, if he wants badly enough to cross London, Ocky Waffles is his man. I shan't go to him. That's certain.” Jehane strove to believe that his opposition to Barrington was a token of new strength. Four days later a note arrived. She was tempted to open it, but it was addressed to her husband. Directly he came in she placed it in his hands. “Read it aloud. What does he say?” She watched Ocky's face and saw how it faltered; then he hid the expression behind a mask of cynicism.