Page:The Story of the Gadsbys - Kipling (1888).djvu/63

 never tell your wife anything that you do not wish her to remember and think over all her life. Because a woman—yes, I am a woman, sir—can't forget.

—By Jove, how do you know that?

(confusedly}.—I don't. I'm only guessing. I am—I was—a silly, little girl; but I feel that I know so much, oh, so very much more than you, dearest. To begin with, I'm your wife.

—So I have been led to believe.

—And I shall want to know every one of your secrets—to share everything you know with you. (Stares round desperately for lucidity and coherence.}

—So you shall, dear—so you shall; but don't look like that.

—For your own sake don't stop me, Phil. I shall never talk to you in this way again. You must not tell me! At least, not now. Later on, when I'm an old matron it won't matter, but if you love me, be very good to me now; for this part of my life I shall never forget! Have I made you understand?

—I think so, child. Have I said anything yet that you disapprove of?

—Will you be very angry? That—that voice and what you said about the engagement

—But you asked to be told that, darling.

—And that's why you shouldn't have told me! You must be the judge; and, Pip! dearly as I love you, I shan't be able to help you! I shall hinder you, and you must judge in spite of me!

(meditatively). We have a great many things to find out together, God help us both—say so, Pussy—but we shall understand each other better every day; and I think I'm beginning to see now. How in the world did you come to know just the importance of giving me just that lead?

—I've told you that I don't know. Only