With this training, he was now shot,
a penniless stranger, into the deeper gulfs of cities;
and the result is scarce a thing to be surprised at.
"Have you heard of your wife again?" I asked.
He displayed a pitiful agitation. "I am afraid you
will think ill of me," he said.
"Have you taken her back?" I asked.
"No, sir. I trust I have too much self-respect," he
answered, "and, at least, I was never tempted. She
won't come, she dislikes, she seems to have conceived a
positive distaste for me, and yet I was considered an
indulgent husband."
"You are still in relations, then?" I asked.
"I place myself in your hands, Mr. Dodd," he replied.
"The world is very hard; I have found it bitter hard
myself--bitter hard to live. How much worse for a
woman, and one who has placed herself (by her own
misconduct, I am far from denying that) in so
unfortunate a position!"
"In short, you support her?" I suggested.
"I cannot deny it. I practically do," he admitted.
"It has been a millstone round my neck. But I think
she is grateful.
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