"Well, even so, that is very little compared with what you've said about
him to me," retorted Leslie. "You shouldn't complain on that score."
"I suppose, in your eyes, I shouldn't complain about anything," said Mrs.
Minturn.
"A world of things, Mrs. Minturn, but not the ones you do," said Leslie.
"Oh!" cried Mrs. Minturn.
"I think your grievance is that you were born in, and reared for,
society," said Leslie, "and in your extremity it has failed you. I believe
I can give you more help to-day than any woman of your age and intimate
association."
"That's true Leslie, quite true!" exclaimed Mrs. Minturn eagerly. "And I
need help! Oh I do!"
"You poor soul, you!" comforted Leslie. "Turn where you belong! Turn to
your own blood!"
"My mother would jeer me for a weakling," said Mrs. Minturn. "She has
urged me to divorce James, ever since Elizabeth was born."
"I didn't mean your mother," said Leslie. "I meant closer relatives, I
meant your husband and sons."
"My husband would probably tell me he had lost all respect for me, while
my sons would very likely pull my hair and kick my shins if I knelt to
them for sympathy," said Mrs.
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