"Probably it was grandma—she doesn't like it, I'm sure, for I never was allowed to do anything of the sort; in fact, I never thought of it or cared to."
"You are a free human being, aren't you? You can do what you like?"
"I've always preferred to do what Phidias liked since we've been married."
"Phidias! Phidias! You make me tired! You talk like a peon!"
Her hand rested heavily upon Mrs. Symes's shoulder. "Assert yourself—don't be a fool! Let's have a drink." Mrs. Symes winced under her tightening grip.
"Oh, no, no," she replied hastily. "Phidias would be furious. I—I wouldn't dare."
"Look here." She took Mrs. Symes's chin in her hand and raised her face, looking deep into her eyes. "Won't you do it for me? because I ask you?"
"I can't." There was an appeal in her eyes as she lifted them to the determined face above her.
"You can. You will. Do you want me to stay away again?"
"No, no, no!"