The furniture in the room was not ugly, but the whole place had a desolate look. A French novel in a yellow paper cover lay open face downwards on a small table near the hearthrug. Jasper picked it up, glanced at the title, and put it down again with a little movement of disgust.
The door opened and a woman came in. She was wearing a loose and rather shabby brown dress; her hair, which was really a beautiful pale gold, looked unbrushed and uncared for. She wore it parted and in an untidy knot at the nape of her neck. The only neat thing about her were her hands, which were small hands, the nails polished and manicured.
"Oh, it's you, Jasper," she said, and she sat down. She did not even offer to shake hands.
"How do you do, Bridget," he said gravely.
She laughed. "Is that a gentle reminder to me of my manners, or a query as to my health? I'm all right, thanks."
Jasper stood irresolute. This nonchalant attitude of his wife pained him. She was usually more apathetic.
"Won't you sit down," she said politely, "that is if you wish to stay for your usual hour."
Jasper put his hat and stick on the sofa and sat down on a chair near the table. His eye fell on the tray.
"Why don't you get a new one," he said half irritably, "or at least cover it with a tea-cloth? I hate these black, scratched things. I don't keep you short of money."
She glanced towards the offending article.
"You don't often see it, do you?" she queried. "I'm used to it; besides, I haven't an artistic eye. Emma shall take it away if it displeases you."
She rang the bell, and the woman who had opened the front door appeared.
"Take away the tea-things," said Bridget carelessly. "Mr. Merton doesn't like to see them."
The woman piled the things on to the tray, and gathered the cloth in a bundle under one arm. She left the room with them.
"Well," said Bridget encouragingly, "five minutes of the hour have gone."
Jasper moved impatiently. "I don't know what is the matter with you this evening, Bridget. I don't know you in this mood."
She raised her eyebrows with a slightly mocking expression.
"Do you ever notice my moods? That is news to me. I was waiting for the usual lectures."
Jasper frowned. "I don't want to lecture you. I don't come here to lecture you. I have only sometimes asked you to keep your hair tidy and wear becoming dresses. There's nothing in the way of a lecture about that."