“Don't you be angry; I'll love you and bless you all the same. But I am a man, and a man I'll die, whether I die captain of a ship or of a foretop. Poor Eve!”
“See how power tries people, and brings out their true character. Since you commanded the Rajah you are all changed. You used to be submissive; now you must have your own way entirely. You will fling my poor ship in my face unless I give you—but this is really using force—yes, Mr. Dodd, this is using force. Somebody has told you that my sex yield when downright compulsion is used. It is true; and the more ungenerous to apply it;” and she melted into a few placid tears.
David did not know this sign of yielding in a woman, and he groaned at the sight and hung his head.
“Advise me what I had better do.”
To this singular proposal, David, listening to the ill advice of the fiend Generosity, groaned out, “Why should you be tormented and made cry?”
“Why indeed?”
“Nothing can change me; I advise you to cut it short.”
“Oh, do you? very well. Why did you say 'poor Eve'?”
“Ah, poor thing! she cried for joy when she read your letter, but when I go back she will cry for grief;” and his voice faltered.
“I will cut this short, Mr. Dodd; give me that paper.”