And she
hadn't a nerve in her body! God! How he did hate women's nerves. No,
she was a model wife and he adored her unceasingly. But
companionship? When she timidly uttered the word, he first stared
uncomprehendingly, then burst into loud laughter.
"Men don't find companionship in women, my dear. If they pretend to
they're after something else. Take the word of an old stager for
that. Of course there is no such thing as companionship among women
as men understand the term, but you have Society, which is really all
you want. Yearnings are merely a symptom of those accursed nerves.
For God's sake forget them. Flirt all you choose--there are plenty of
men in town; have them in for dinner if you like--but if any of those
young bucks talks companionship to you put up your guard or come and
tell me. I'll settle his hash."
"I don't want the companionship of any other man, but I'd like yours."
"You don't know how lucky you are. You have all of me you could
stand. Three or four long evenings--well, we'd yawn in each other's
faces and go to bed. A bull but true enough."
"Then I think I'll have the books unpacked, not only those I
brought, but the new case papa sent to me. I have lost the resource
of Society for several months, and I do not care to have men here
after you have gone.
Pages:
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32