Wragge will prove a second time profitable to me on that
elderly relative's death. But for this circumstance, I should probably
long since have transferred my wife to the care of society at large--in
the agreeable conviction that if I didn't support her, somebody else
would. Although I can't afford to take this course, I see no objection
to having her comfortably boarded and lodged out of our way for the
time being--say, at a retired farm-house, in the character of a lady in
infirm mental health. _You_ would find the expense trifling; _I_ should
find the relief unutterable. What do you say? Shall I pack her up at
once, and take her away by the next coach?"
"No!" replied Magdalen, firmly. "The poor creature's life is hard enough
already; I won't help to make it harder. She was affectionately and
truly kind to me when I was ill, and I won't allow her to be shut up
among strangers while I can help it. The risk of keeping her here is
only one risk more. I will face it, Captain Wragge, if you won't."
"Think twice," said the captain, gravely, "before you decide on keeping
Mrs. Wragge."
"Once is enough," rejoined Magdalen. "I won't have her sent away.
Pages:
560
561
562
563
564
565
566
567
568
569
570
571
572
573
574
575
576
577
578
579
580
581
582
583
584