Before her friends she frequently affected to conceal a
profound sorrow; but so long as her child was left to her she was
in no danger of falling a victim to sentimental troubles.
'And certainly I can't believe it,' he continued, 'now you
declare your wish to be formally separated from me.'
'I have declared no such wish.'
'Indeed you have. If you can hesitate a moment about returning to
me when difficulties are at an end, that tells me you would
prefer final separation.'
'I hesitate for this reason,' Amy said after reflecting. 'You are
so very greatly changed from what you used to be, that I think it
doubtful if I could live with you.'
'Changed?--Yes, that is true, I am afraid. But how do you think
this change will affect my behaviour to you?'
'Remember how you have been speaking to me.'
'And you think I should treat you brutally if you came into my
power?'
'Not brutally, in the ordinary sense of the word. But with faults
of temper which I couldn't bear. I have my own faults. I can't
behave as meekly as some women can.'
It was a small concession, but Reardon made much of it.
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