"
"I'm sure every word is so," he returned; "no one could have a better
wife; you've spoiled me outrageously; I feel like that pig Christopher
has in a pen out by the stable."
"You might think of something nicer to say," she protested. "You're not
easy to live with, either," Fanny continued; "you hardly ever agree
with what other people think; and you curse fearfully. I wish you
wouldn't swear like that, Lee. I object to it very much in Claire; I
can't help believing that she thinks it is smart or funny. And you
encourage her. If Claire had been different--no, don't interrupt me--
this would never have happened. You may say what you like about her
good breeding: she's been too flippant. I felt that last night. Claire
doesn't accept her obligations seriously enough. She's kept herself
lovely looking, but that isn't the whole thing."
"What is the whole thing?" he demanded.
"I've told you, but you won't listen--duty."
"You put that above all the rest?"
Fanny hesitated. "I said my head hurt because I've thought so much.
Love and duty, yes; I see them as the same. Duty without love would be
hard, and there isn't any love without duty." Fanny evidently grew
aware of her threatening incoherence. "It isn't necessary to tell you
in so many words," she said defensively; "you are only being contrary."
"You have explained yourself beautifully," he hastened to assure her;
"I am the person who is at sea.
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