They talked of how the couple
would probably behave under this decisive change of
circumstances.
'Biffen professes to know nothing about Mrs Reardon,' said
Whelpdale. 'I suspect he keeps his knowledge to himself, out of
regard for Reardon. It wouldn't surprise me if they live apart
for a long time yet.'
'Not very likely. It was only want of money.'
'They're not at all suited to each other. Mrs Reardon, no doubt,
repents her marriage bitterly, and I doubt whether Reardon cares
much for his wife.'
'As there's no way of getting divorced they'll make the best of
it. Ten thousand pounds produce about four hundred a year; it's
enough to live on.'
'And be miserable on--if they no longer love each other.'
'You're such a sentimental fellow!' cried Jasper. 'I believe you
seriously think that love--the sort of frenzy you understand by
it--ought to endure throughout married life. How has a man come
to your age with such primitive ideas?'
'Well, I don't know. Perhaps you err a little in the opposite
direction.'
'I haven't much faith in marrying for love, as you know.
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