Jarvis meekly returned it to his pocket, but as the Professor right-about faced, he exploded:
“For heaven’s sake, sit down and listen to me! This mathematical progression makes me crazy.”
“I have just so many rows to do,” the Professor replied, as he marched along. “Do I understand you to criticise my daughter’s education?”
“I don’t know anything about her education. I didn’t know she had one,” said Jarvis, “but this whim of hers, in marrying me, is very trying to me. It is most upsetting.”
“Have it annulled. It can’t possibly be legal.”
“She won’t hear of it. She desires to be married to me.”
The Professor rose and faced him.
“Then you may as well resign yourself. I have lived with her nineteen years and I know.”
“But it is absurd that a child like that should always have her own way. You have spoiled her.”
Even the Professor’s bent back showed pity.
“You have a great deal to learn, young man.”
“Can’t you persuade her to divorce me?”
“I cannot. I tried to persuade her to do that before she married you.”
