Very pale, but erect and at least outwardly calm, she faced him.
"What I have to say to you," she said, "will make you very angry; but I hope you will have the patience to listen to me, because it must be said." He did not answer.

He merely stooped and stirred the fire to a higher blaze, then turned and looked at her with those ever-watching eyes of his.
Nan's hands were clenched unconsciously.

She was making the greatest effort of her life.
"It has come to this," she said, forcing herself with all her quivering strength to speak quietly.

"I do not wish to be your wife.

I have realized for some time that my marriage was a mistake, and I thought it possible, I hoped with all my heart, that you would see it, too.