'Well, Phoebe,' he said, at last, 'you seem determined to say disagreeable things to me to-night. I suppose I might remind you that you're much younger than I; and that of course a man knows much more about business than a young thing like you can. How, I should like to know, could we have done any better than we have done, since we married? As far as money goes, we've had a hell of a time, from first to last!'
'It would have been much worse,' said Phoebe, softly, 'if I hadn't been there--you know it would. You know last year when we were in such straits, and all our things were nearly sold up, you let me take over things, and keep the money. And I went to see all the people we owed money to--and--and it's pretty bad--but it isn't as bad as it was--'
She hid her face on her knees, choked by the sob she could no longer repress.
'Well, of course it's better,' said Fenwick, ungraciously; 'I don't say you haven't got a head, Phoebe--why, I know you have! You did first-rate! But, after all, I had to earn the money.'
'That's what I say. You'd never be able to think about little things--you'd have to be painting always--and going about--and--'
'Why, I could manage for myself--for a bit,' he said, with a laugh. 'I'm not such an idiot as all that. Old Morrison's lent me a hundred pounds, Phoebe!'
'A hundred pounds!' she repeated, faintly. 'And however are we going to repay all that?'
'Why, you silly child, I'm going to earn it, of course--and a deal more. Don't you hinder me, Phoebe! and I shall be a rich man before we can look round, and you'll be a lady--with a big house--and your carriage, perhaps!'
He kissed her vehemently, as though to coerce her into agreeing with him.
'You and I'll _never_ be rich. We don't know how.'
'Speak for yourself, please.' He stretched out his right hand, laughing. 'Look at that hand. If it gets a fair chance it's got money in it--and fame--and happiness for us both! _Don't_ you believe in me, Phoebe? Don't you believe I shall make a painter?'
He spoke with an imperious harshness, repeating his query. It was evident, curiously evident, that he cared for her opinion.
'Of course I believe in you,' she said, her chest heaving. 'It's--it's--other things.'