"What is that?" asked Gerald, sitting up, and expectant of what was coming. He saw the truth in Mrs. Geary's fiery eyes.
"The truth is that Major Rebb murdered Bellaria."
"It isn't de troofth," muttered Geary, clenching his huge fists.
His wife taunted him. "Ah, you'd like to strike me, you animal," she said, in a loud voice. "But do--do. I dare you. Never again: oh, never again! I can die but once, and if you use your knife, I'll use my teeth and my hands and my feet to fight you. Better death than more of this dog life with you."
Her breast rose and fell stormily, and Gerald looked at her as amazed as was her husband. Never before had the meek ogress behaved in this fashion, although on several occasions she had tried to assert herself. But having turned, she left no room for doubt as to what she meant. Looking at the transformed woman, who had been goaded into revolt, Haskins thought of Balzac's remark, which was now excellently illustrated: "There is nothing more horrible than the rebellion of a sheep."
"Wait; only wait."
It was Geary who spoke, but he spoke without conviction, since he felt rather than saw that his rule was at an end. It is ever thus with tyrants. They browbeat those who are willing to serve them, for many years, and the milder the servant the greater burden does the master impose. Mrs. Geary had labored like a horse, doing more than was required of her. Still, the negro had not been pleased, and therefore had beaten and kicked his beast of burden, never dreaming of any revolt. But the measure was filled to the brim: the last straw had stiffened the camel's back rather than broken it; and Mrs. Geary had risen to assert the right of a human being. Adonis blustered and threatened, but he knew that never again would his wife submit to his domination.
"With your domestic affairs I have no need to meddle," said Gerald, raising his hand to stop Mrs. Geary's speech and her husband's growling. "I think you are right to leave that brute, and if you need money I shall supply you with all you wish."
"Thank you, sir," said Mrs. Geary, dropping a curtsey; and glared at her husband. The drink was dying out of her, but she still fought, as she was supported by Haskins' presence. "You hear that, Adonis?"
"I'll go to law, sah," growled Geary, "you make my wife fight."