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182 has position; he has money—luckily for him; he means to settle down in the country somewhere, and, no doubt, he'd like to be somebody in the county. But how could he? Look at his wife!'

'There ought to be a separation,' said the friend, feelingly.

'Well, I don't think it's quite as bad as that,' said Granville, wearing ship. 'Anyway, there never will be one; you may trust her for that. And, I must own, I don't think it's all the main chance with her, either; they're sufficiently spooney. Why, she will not even leave him for a week on a visit, though, as I understand, he's doing his best to persuade her to.'

Gladys's hands tightened upon the woodwork of the window-frame.

'Can't persuade her to?' cried the friend. 'What did I tell you? Why, Lord love you, he wants to get rid of her already!'

This was rather strong, even for an intimate friend, and even though the intimate friend had drunk a good deal of wine. Granville's tone cooled suddenly.