'Yes, I suppose I do owe it to her.'

The apologetic, easy-going air with which this phrase was spoken maddened
Montgomery; he could have struck his friend full in the face, but for the
sake of the woman he was obliged to keep his temper.

'Putting aside the question of what you owe and what you don't owe, I'd
like to ask you where you could find a nicer wife? She's the prettiest
woman in the company, she's making now five pounds a week, and she loves
you as well as ever a woman loved a man. I should like to know what more
you want.'

This was very agreeable to hear, and after a moment's reflection Dick said:

'That's quite true, my boy, and I like her better than any other woman. I
don't think I could get anything better. If it weren't for that infernal
jealousy of hers. Really, her temper is no joke.'

'Her temper is all right; she was as quiet as a mouse when you knew her
first. Take my word for it, there are excellent reasons for her being a bit
put out.'

'What do you mean?'

'Can't you guess?'

The two men stopped and looked each other full in the face, and then
resuming his walk, Montgomery said: