So, at least, he said to himself.

But as he said it, he almost thought that she could do these things.

In the last thirty years, or more, she had ever contrived by some power latent in her to have her will effected.

But what would happen if now, even now, he were to rebel?
That he would personally become very uncomfortable, he was well aware, but he thought that he could bear that.

The food would become bad,--mere ashes between his teeth, the daily modicum of wine would lose its flavour, the chimneys would all smoke, the wind would come from the east, and the servants would not answer the bell.