'Yes, I do; but not by deserting you. I want you to go and work for us all, so that we may live more happily before long. Oh, how wretched this is!'

She burst into hysterical weeping. But Reardon, instead of attempting to soothe her, went into the next room, where he sat for a long time in the dark. When he returned Amy was calm again; her face expressed a cold misery.

'Where did you go this morning?' he asked, as if wishing to talk of common things.

'I told you. I went to buy those things for Willie.'

'Biffen passed you in Tottenham Court Road,' he added.

'Perhaps,' said Amy, 'it was just when I was speaking to Mr Milvain.'

'I'm sure I don't know. I can't mention every trifle that happens.'

Amy closed her eyes, as if in weariness, and for a minute or two Reardon observed her countenance.