"A cheque for a hundred pounds would amply repay you for what you've done--or I might make it a hundred guineas."
"A hundred guineas! Listen to me--you're my husband."
"You've observed that on some previous occasion."
"And I'm your wife."
"That also has already become ancient history."
"I want you to understand just the way in which I see it. I'm the mistress of this house, and no one sets foot in it--or in your room--without my express sanction and approval."
"Won't any one? We shall see."
"We shall see! I'll write you just the will you want, as Nannie did, if you'll let me add a sentence leaving me--say, five thousand pounds. It ought to be more--twenty thousand was what Dr. Twelves promised--and you can make it as much more as you like, but I'll do it if you make it that." As, when she stopped, he was silent, she again went on: "If you don't let me add such a sentence you shall make no will at all--as sure as I'm alive I swear you shan't. I'll have my bed brought in here to stop you doing it at night--you may trust me to take care you don't do it by day. As your wife I've my rights, and you're a helpless man. I mean to take advantage of my rights--to the fullest possible extent!--and of your helplessness. You ought to know by now that in such a matter I'm the sort of woman that keeps her word."
"I have a sort of notion that you might do your best in that direction--from what I've seen--and heard--of you."
"You can bet on it!"