"And that is why you are impudent to me."
"You have never found me so."
"Because I am bound to you hand and foot, because you know my ways, having grown into them, because I depend upon you and trust you, because I am weak and ill and dependent, you think you can twist me about as you like. You shall find that you are mistaken."
"Do you wish me to leave Parksides to-night? I will go and get ready."
He glared at her. "Well, why don't you go?"
"I am waiting for orders. Give them, and I will obey you—as I have obeyed you in everything else."
"You have no more wish to leave me," he said, laughing scornfully, "than I have that you should. You could no more do without me than I could do without you."
"There may be a balance," she said, "and it may be to my credit. You seem to be angry because I have made an endeavour to please your daughter."
"Have you ever endeavoured to please her before to-day?" he asked slyly.
"Have you," she retorted, "ever taken the trouble to ascertain?"