Neither would give way one jot. The more Pauline stormed at me
for my boorishness and want of consideration for her the more obstinate
did I become in ascribing to her frivolous nature the true cause of our
unhappiness. I admired Pauline, and I looked to her to become the
mother of my children; but we could neither of us endure the other's
presence for any length of time without a squabble, so that our
domestic infelicity became a jest and a byword even among our servants.
In these circumstances I felt it would be better that we should part.
It is said that absence makes the heart grow fonder, and I was
convinced that I would regard Pauline with more kindly feelings if seas
between us rolled than were possible if we remained together in the
same house, and I have no doubt that Pauline thoroughly reciprocated my
sentiments.
In this mood I sought my old comrade Dirk Hartog. I found him, as I
expected, at a tavern which he frequented. He was seated at a table
with Bantum and Janstins, poring over a chart in which all three
appeared to be deeply interested.
CHAPTER XL
THE YELLOW PARCHMENT
"Welcome, Peter!" cried Hartog, when he saw me.
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