"It matters little; at any rate, till you did consent. I have since satisfied myself that such a marriage would be miserable for both of us."
"You have?"
"I have. Of course, you can speak of me as you please and think of me as you please. I can hardly defend myself."
"Hardly, I think."
"But, with whatever result, I know that I shall now be acting for the best in declaring that I will not become—your husband."
"You will not?" She was still standing, and stretched out her right hand as though again to grasp something.
He also now rose from his chair. "If I speak with abruptness it is only to avoid a show of indecision. I will not."
"Oh, God! what have I done that it should be my lot to meet man after man false and cruel as this! You tell me to my face that I am to bear it! Who is the jade that has done it? Has she money?—or rank? Or is it that you are afraid to have by your side a woman who can speak for herself,—and even act for herself if some action be necessary? Perhaps you think that I am—old." He was looking at her intently as she spoke, and it did seem to him that many years had been added to her face. It was full of lines round the mouth, and the light play of drollery was gone, and the colour was fixed,—and her eyes seemed to be deep in her head. "Speak, man,—is it that you want a younger wife?"
"You know it is not."
"Know! How should any one know anything from a liar? From what you tell me I know nothing. I have to gather what I can from your character. I see that you are a coward. It is that man that came to you, and who is your master, that has forced you to this. Between me and him you tremble, and are a thing to be pitied. As for knowing what you would be at, from anything that you would say,—that is impossible. Once again I have come across a mean wretch. Oh, fool!—that men should be so vile, and think themselves masters of the world! My last word to you is, that you are—a liar. Now for the present you can go. Ten minutes since, had I had a weapon in my hand I should have shot another man."