It is the second time you have done that thing, and I warn you to let it be the last." "Indeed! Why don't you say at once that you'll beat me if I don't obey all your tyrannical orders ?" "Because it wouldn't be true; should I ever so far forget myself as to lift my hand against my wife, I could never again lay claim to the name of gentleman." "Perhaps, then, you will lock me up ?" she sneered.
"Possibly I may, if you make it necessary," he said coldly.
"Lock me up, indeed! I'd like to see you try it!" she cried, starting up with flashing eyes, and stamping her foot in a sort of fury of indignation.
Then rushing into the adjoining room, she tore off her ornaments and dress, pulled down her hair, her cheeks burning, her eyes hot and dry.
But by the time she had assumed her night-dress the first fury of passion had spent itself, and scalding tears were raining down her cheeks.
She threw herself on the bed, sobbing convulsively.

"Oh, I never, never thought he would treat me so! and he wouldn't dare if papa was alive; but he knows I've nobody to defend me--nobody in the wide world, and he can abuse me as much as he pleases.

But I think it's very mean for a big strong man to be cruel to a little weak woman." Then as her anger cooled still more, "But I have done and said provoking things to-day as well as he," she acknowledged to herself.

"I suppose if I'd been in his place I'd have got mad, too, and scolded and threatened my wife.

Well, if he'd only come and kiss me and coax me a little, I'd say I was sorry and didn't intend to vex him, so any more." She hushed her sobs and listened.