He instantly resented this by saying: “Absented myself? The last time I called you appeared to be enjoying more congenial society.”
“It is a relief to be beyond range of your unreasonable temper sometimes,” Lady Elaine said.
“Oh, my love, this is terrible for me to bear!”
“You think only of yourself, Sir Harold.” Her lips quivered. “You think only of yourself. I have been too childish and yielding.”
“It is the duty of woman to yield,” he retorted.
“I beg to differ with you. I do not propose to be your slave,” Lady Elaine responded, bitterly.
There was silence for a little while—a silence that neither ever forgot.
“We must have an understanding, Elaine,” Sir Harold said, at last. “Do not let false pride stand between us, my darling. I was angry when I heard that you were out with Rivington. I saw you together, and it maddened me. I do not think it right for an engaged woman to listen to the flattery of any man.”
She laughed musically.
“No? I suppose that you consider me your slave? I object to being any man’s slave, Sir Harold.”