Page:Pratt portraits - sketched in a New England suburb (IA prattportraitssk00full).pdf/42

 "Yes, all; I leave you to provide for the children according to your judgment."

"It is not the usual way," she said, with an anxious look.

"It would be, if all married people were like you and me."

She sat for some time, pondering his words. Then, "I don't know," she said, "but it seems to me the old way is a very good one. If I had my—" No, she could not say "widow's third" and maintain her composure. "Tell me," she asked instead, "why you have acted so out of the common. I should like to know your reasons."

"Well, Harriet, I look at it in this way. If I had lived out my natural life, there would n't have been any division of property, and I can't see why matters should n't rest just as they are. It's partly on your account," he went on, "and still more on account of the children. You 've always been the best judge of what was good for them. Besides," he added, after a few more words of explanation, "I've been in the habit of considering that the money was as much yours as mine."

Again he paused, and Harriet did not break the silence. Later, when the early dusk was in the chamber, he said, "You and I have always been very united, Harriet."

He held out his hand to her. She took it in both hers.

"Dear girl!" he whispered.