And why should he not be?
It is the way of sailors.

He has never learned to be economical or temperate.

The spendthrift years have marked him.

It is not his fault, of course, but that does not alter his nature.

And have you thought of the years of licentiousness he inevitably has lived?
Have you thought of that, daughter?
You know what marriage means." Ruth shuddered and clung close to her mother.
"I have thought." Ruth waited a long time for the thought to frame itself.