Sylvia possessed what she considered an almost guilty weakness for peppermints.

She never bought them herself, or asked him to buy them, without feeling humiliated.

Her austere and dictatorial manner vanished at the moment she preferred the request for peppermints.
"Of course I'll get them," said Henry, with enthusiasm.

He mentally resolved upon a pound instead of a quarter.
"I don't feel quite right in my stomach, and I think they're good for me," said Sylvia, still abjectly.

Then she turned and went into the house.