The relations between these two were peculiar. Ever since he had seen her at his mother's cottage, Belk had followed her everywhere like her shadow, much to Mrs. Belswin's astonishment, for, candid in all things to herself, she could not conceive how a handsome young man could leave younger women for one verging on middle age. Yet such was the case. This bucolic man had fallen passionately in love, and adored her with all the sullen ardour of his obstinate nature. He was slow-witted, dull-headed, and it took a long time for an idea to penetrate into his brain, but once the idea was there, nothing could get it out again. This woman, so different from all he had known, who spoke in a commanding way, who flashed her eyes fiercely on all, as if they were her slaves, had, without a word, without a sign, brought to his knees this uncultured man, who knew nothing of the deference due to the sex, and whose only attributes were great physical strength and a handsome exterior. Formerly, owing to these advantages, he had gained admiration from all women, and in return had treated them with brutal indifference, or scarcely veiled contempt; but now the positions were reversed, and he was the abject slave of this imperious queen, who looked down at him with disdain. It was a case of Samson like wax in the hands of Delilah--of Hercules subjugated by Omphale; and Samson Belk, with all his virile strength, his handsome face, his stalwart figure, was crouching like a dog at the feet of Mrs. Belswin.
He looked somewhat haggard as he came towards her and took off his hat, Mrs. Belswin nodding coldly to him in return.
"Well, Mr. Belk," she said, indifferently, "what are you doing here?"
"I heard you were going to town, madam."
"Yes? How can that possibly concern you?" Belk stood twisting his hat round and round in a sheepish manner.
"I thought I might be of service to you," he stammered, looking at her portmanteau.
"Thank you, but there is no need. The porters will attend to all that," replied the lady, graciously. "But you don't look very well, Mr. Belk. I suppose you've been drinking."
Candour was Mrs. Belswin's strong point, and looking at Belk as an inferior animal, she treated him accordingly, but he seemed in nowise displeased at her bluntness.
"No; I haven't been drinking, madam."
"That's just as well. You know Sir Rupert returns next week, and if he found you to be dissipated, he'd dismiss you on the spot."