admirably calculated to imply a deep interest in the subject under
discussion. "I do not understand," she observed, thoughtfully, "why a
man and woman need quarrel because they happen to be married to each
other, when they had rather be married to somebody else. It wouldn't be
considered good business policy to pull against a partner because one
might do better with some other arrangement; and it does seem as if
people might be as sensible about their marriage relations as in their
business."

Her companion glanced at her, and then quickly resumed his intent
regard of the fire beside which he sat.

"But people are so unreasonable," he remarked.

Mrs. Staggchase assented, with a characteristic bend of the head, and a
movement of her flexible neck. She looked up with a smile.

"I think Fred and I are a model couple," she said. "Fred came into my
room this noon, just as I had finished my morning letters. 'Good-
morning,' he said, 'I hope you weren't frightened.'--'Frightened?' I
said, 'what at?'--'Do you mean to say you didn't know I was out all
night?'--'I hadn't an idea of it,' said I. He'd been playing cards at
the club all night, and had just come in. He says that the next time,
he shan't take the trouble to expose himself."

Rangely laughed in a somewhat perfunctory way.

"But if that is a model fashion of living, what becomes of the old
notions of kindred souls, and all that sort of thing?" he asked. "I
shouldn't want my wife"--