Then approaching her chair, he tried to draw her toward him, but pulling herself away passionately, she exclaimed:
'No, no; leave me alone—leave me alone—don't touch me—I hate you.'
This was not encouraging, but at the end of another silence he attempted to reason with her again. But it was useless; and worn and impatient he begged of her at least to come to dinner.
'If you aren't hungry, I am.'
There was no answer; lying back in her chair she sulked, deaf to all entreaty.
'Well, if you won't, I will,' he said, seating himself in her place.
Her eyes flashed with a dull lurid light, and walking close to the table, she looked at him steadily, fidgeting as she did so with the knives and glasses.
'I can't think how you treat me as you do; what have I done to you to deserve it? Nothing. But I shall be revenged, that I will; I can bear it no longer.'
'Bear what?' he asked despairingly.
'You know well enough. Don't aggravate me. I hate you! Oh yes,' she said, raising her voice, 'I do hate you!'