"But her element, you forget, is Lawrence, Mass."
"The man has the imagination, if he is a man! If he is a man! Woman just tails on,—as I cling to you, dearest!"
"And sometimes I think you would want to take the lead,—to have your own little way."
"Yes, I like my way, too! But the women who think they can strike out alone—live their own lives, as they say—are foolish. The wise women work through men,—accomplish themselves in those they love. Isn't that bigger than doing all the work yourself?"
"Women create the necessity for man's work."
"You know I don't mean that! … What is bliss is to make the way clear for the one you loved…. I could do that! I'd set my little brain working to smooth away the immediate difficulties, those that hinder, the little things that stick in the way. I'd clean the armor for my lord and bring him nourishing food."
"And point out the particular castle you would like him to capture for your dwelling?"
"Never! If the man were worth serving, he would mark his own game."…
They had walked to the eastern point of the island, where nothing was to be seen but the wide sea. The wind had utterly fallen, leaving the surface of the water mottled with currents from beneath. Far away on the horizon some ships seemed to be sailing—they had wind out there—and their sails still shone in the twilight. About the cliff at their feet the tide ran in black circles. It was still, and the earth was warm and fragrant from the hot day. Margaret rested her head upon his arm and closed her eyes.
"It has been too much for you," he said, concerned.