“Do not be rebellious, Catherine. Come, now.”
She bounded to her feet and bent upon him her flashing eyes.
“It is I who am wrong, then. I am the culprit, eh? You strike me, and then call me rebellious. Indeed, I ought to rebel, and for good, too.”
“Catherine,” said Savin severely.
“Ah, why did I marry a common brutal soldier?”
Barrau blushed. The thrust struck home.
“Enough! Enough!” said he, rudely; “I am the master here, at least. And any honest woman should not make such a remark.”
“Indeed! I am a worthless jade, am I? A coquette? A good-for-nothing?”
Savin made an impatient gesture.
“Say it,” she went on; “do not hesitate.”