From that second path he told himself there could be no return.
Dot went about with a feverish look in her eyes, and lips almost as set as Larrie’s own. She was going to make this strike for her rights, and in future have the independence due to the nineteenth century married woman.
Larrie spoke of the irrevocableness of the step. To him it was as grave as life and death. But deep in Dot’s heart was the knowledge of her power over him. She called to mind all the quarrels of their wedded [p 99] ]life—had he not always forgiven her? Even the times when he had not been the first to make up, her tears and grief had made his arms open for her immediately. She only whispered this to herself, it made her a little ashamed to think of trading on it.
Then out loud she told her conscience several things.
First, that this was only one of Larrie’s aggravating fits of opposition, and when he got over it and knew what a name she had made for herself, he would be glad she had not taken him at his word.
Second, that since her gift was so great, it would be wrong not to give the world the benefit of it, she remembered the scriptural napkin-wrapped talent.
Third, that it would be sheer ingratitude after all Mr Wooster’s trouble, to spoil his concert at the last minute.
And fourth, that no one literally interpreted that word ‘obey’ in the marriage service, now that the equality of the sexes was recognised.
It was merely a relic of darker ages when [p 100] ]woman had been little more than a chattel; the progress of the century had made it elastic, before long it would be removed altogether.
On Friday they had eggs for tea. At least, Peggie had put a stand on the table, with bread and butter, and other eatables, but they were both too agitated to do more than crack the tops, and take salt and pepper on the edge of their plates. This was to be the last chance. Peggie removed baby, and looked anxiously at the quiet young couple as she did so. She was afraid there was something really serious this time, so pale was her master’s face, so brilliant Dot’s eyes.