"
"You don't know, Mrs. Minturn?" asked Leslie.
"No," she said wearily. "I know James hates the life I lead; he thinks my
time wasted. I know he's a disappointed man, because he thought when he
married me he could cut me out of everything worth while in the world, and
set me to waiting on him, and nursing his children. Every single thing I
have done since, or wanted or had, has been a disappointment to him. I
know now he never would have married me, if he hadn't figured he was going
to make me over; shape me and my life to suit his whims, and throw away my
money to please his fancies. He's been utterly discontented since
Elizabeth was born. Why Leslie, we haven't lived together since then. He
said if I were going to persist in bringing 'orphans' into the world,
babies I wouldn't mother myself, or wouldn't allow him to father, there
would be no more children. I laughed at him, because I didn't think he
meant it; but he did, so that ended even a semblance of content. Half the
time I don't know where he is, or what he is doing; he seldom knows where
I am; if we appear together it is accidental; I thought I had my mind made
up to leave him, and soon; but what you say, coupled with doubts I had
myself, have set me to thinking, till I don't know.
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