"Perhaps you have felt freer since Saturday morning," said Isabel, cruelly.
His own eyes glittered, but if he blushed the darkness screened him. "Quite true," he said, dryly, "The man-brute turned. And in the final battle, when the feminine principle is pitted against the masculine, I fancy we shall know how to win the day. If we resort to primitive methods it will be your own fault."
"I was invited for dinner to-morrow night, and had to decline because my arms are black-and-blue."
"I don't repent," said Gwynne, doggedly.
There was another silence, and then he asked: "Haven't you been trying to manage me?"
"I have only been trying to steer you in a new country—to make things a little easier—"
"You are not always frank. And that is not altogether what I mean. I hardly know myself what I do mean. Before I arrived I thought it likely I should ma—want to marry you. In many respects you were designed to be the wife of an ambitious public man. With your beauty, and brains, your grand manner, and your subtlety—but it is the last that has put me off. I have seen too many men managed by their wives. I never could stand it. Doubtless my Celtic blood gives me the tiniest feminine drop. It is only the big uncomplicated oafs that don't mind being managed by their women. I should want the freest and most open companionship, but with my will always in the ascendant—although no man would be more indulgent to his wife."
"You will find thousands to answer all your requirements and limitations."
"Much you know about it. True, this place is full of handsome and attractive women—topping! And they have a free wild grace, a stride, a swing—it is wonderful to watch them go up these hills. And I was vastly entertained at luncheon, and at one or two of the houses where I was afterward taken to call. But I doubt if I shall ever find anyone again that possesses so many remarkable qualities in combination as your own puzzling unsatisfactory self."
"I am not in the least like Mrs. Kaye, and you thought she combined every quality under the sun."