"Never mind that," she replied, with more control over her speech. "I
guess things have come to a pass where a little anger won't do any harm.
I have a right to insist on knowing what you mean by your insinuations."

Theron sighed. "Why will you keep harping on the thing?" he asked
wearily. "I have displayed no curiosity. I don't ask for any
explanations. I think I mentioned that the man had behaved insultingly
to me--but that doesn't matter. I don't bring it up as a grievance. I
am very well able to take care of myself I have no wish to recur to the
incident in any way. So far as I am concerned, the topic is dismissed."

"Listen to me!" broke in Alice, with eager gravity. She hesitated, as he
looked up with a nod of attention, and reflected as well as she was able
among her thoughts for a minute or two. "This is what I want to say to
you. Ever since we came to this hateful Octavius, you and I have been
drifting apart--or no, that doesn't express it--simply rushing away from
each other. It only began last spring, and now the space between us
is so wide that we are worse than complete strangers. For strangers at
least don't hate each other, and I've had a good many occasions lately
to see that you positively do hate me--"

"What grotesque absurdity" interposed Theron, impatiently.

"No, it isn't absurdity; it's gospel truth," retorted Alice. "And--don't
interrupt me--there have been times, too, when I have had to ask myself
if I wasn't getting almost to hate you in return. I tell you this
frankly."

"Yes, you are undoubtedly frank," commented the husband, toying with his