“My love for my wife causeth me to do foolish things, but I can not deny her anything that pleases her. Her very look is a command to me. When we married I thought our position demanded a country-seat, and I bought it. When she asked for a carriage and postilion, I furnished them. When she wished to dine her friends of the Tory party, I consented.
“But where has it led me at length? I am a Major-General of the Continentals, and living like a prince. Been married two years and five thousand pounds in debt. Oh, that I could end these pangs of pride! Yes, I shall end them. I shall again see Roderick Barclugh. I shall write again to General Washington and demand my assignment to West Point,” concluded Arnold as he arose and went to his wife’s chamber. He tried to enter but the door was fastened.
An angry voice from within asked:
“Who’s that?”
“Margaret, my dear, may I speak to you?” meekly replied Arnold.
“I shall not have any explanation, General Arnold,” savagely replied his wife; but she opened the door and imperiously walked to the other side of the room, where she stood with her back to him.
“My dear,” began Arnold, “I find that,——”
“Yes, you’ll find that I and my child will leave this house and you will find——” interjected Mrs. Arnold.
“If you will let me explain?” continued Arnold.
“I sha’n’t allow you to explain to me any more. You have done nothing but explain ever since you met me.