I can have as many
husbands as I like, without falling into the clutches of a tyrant. You
are a rude, indelicate--And so please understand it is all over between
you and me."
Both her auditors stood aghast, for she uttered this conclusion with a
dignity of which the opening gave no promise, and the occasion, weighed
in masculine balances, was not worthy.
"You do not mean that. You cannot mean it," said Dr. Staines, aghast.
"I do mean it," said she, firmly; "and, if you are a gentleman, you will
not compel me to say it twice--three times, I mean."
At this dagger-stroke Christopher turned very pale, but he maintained
his dignity. "I am a gentleman," said he, quietly, "and a very
unfortunate one. Good-by, sir; thank you kindly. Good-by, Rosa; God
bless you! Oh, pray take a thought! Remember, your life and death are in
your own hand now. I am powerless."
And he left the house in sorrow, and just, but not pettish, indignation.
When he was gone, father and daughter looked at each other, and there
was the silence that succeeds a storm.
Rosa, feeling the most uneasy, was the first to express her
satisfaction. "There, HE is gone, and I am glad of it. Now you and I
shall never quarrel again.
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