I proposed separate apartments; but it would not do.
'The truth is, Arthur,' I said at last, 'you are weary of my company, and determined not to have me with you.

You might as well have said so at once.' He denied it; but I immediately left the room, and flew to the nursery, to hide my feelings, if I could not soothe them, there.
I was too much hurt to express any further dissatisfaction with his plans, or at all to refer to the subject again, except for the necessary arrangements concerning his departure and the conduct of affairs during his absence, till the day before he went, when I earnestly exhorted him to take care of himself and keep out of the way of temptation.

He laughed at my anxiety, but assured me there was no cause for it, and promised to attend to my advice.
'I suppose it is no use asking you to fix a day for your return ?' said I.
'Why, no; I hardly can, under the circumstances; but be assured, love, I shall not be long away.' 'I don't wish to keep you a prisoner at home,' I replied; 'I should not grumble at your staying whole months away--if you can be happy so long without me--provided I knew you were safe; but I don't like the idea of your being there among your friends, as you call them.' 'Pooh, pooh, you silly girl! Do you think I can't take care of myself ?' 'You didn't last time.

But THIS time, Arthur,' I added, earnestly, 'show me that you can, and teach me that I need not fear to trust you!' He promised fair, but in such a manner as we seek to soothe a child.

And did he keep his promise?
No; and henceforth I can never trust his word.
Bitter, bitter confession! Tears blind me while I write.