"But what does a woman promise when she promises at the altar to obey?"
"Well, evidently, she promises to obey her husband in every case where he commands, and a higher duty to God does not forbid."
"But does this mean that all through life in every case where there arises a difference of opinion or taste between a husband and wife she is to give up to him?"
"If," said I, "she has been so unwise as to make this promise to a man without common sense or gentlemanly honor, who chooses to have his own will prevail in all cases of differences of taste, I don't see but she must."
"But between people like you and me, Harry?"
"Between people like you and me, darling, I can't see that the word can make any earthly difference. There can be no obeying where there never is any commanding, and as to commanding you I should as soon think of commanding the sun and moon."
"Well; but you know we shall not always think alike or want the same thing."
"Then we will talk matters over, and the one that gives the best reasons shall prevail. You and I will be like any other two dear friends who agree to carry on any enterprise together, we shall discuss matters, and sometimes one and sometimes the other will prevail."
"But, Harry, this matter puzzles me. Why is there a command in the Bible that wives should always obey? Very many times in domestic affairs, certainly, the woman knows the most and has altogether the best judgment."