"Why not?"
"A great reserve has grown up between us. I could never try to break through it."
"You say a great reserve. But does he never criticize you in words? Does he never express an adverse opinion upon what you say or do?"
"Scarcely ever—after it is said or done. But sometimes—"
"Yes?"
"Sometimes—often I think—he tries to prevent me from saying or doing something. Often he checks me with a look when I am in the midst of some speech. It is intolerable. Why do I bear it? But I have to bear it. Sometimes I exert myself against him. Why, that first day I met you—you must have noticed it—he tried to prevent me from walking home with you."
"I did notice it."
"Then I resisted him, and he had to yield. But even when he yields in some slight matter it makes no difference in our relations. He is always there, at the window, watching me."
"What do you say?"
Malling's exclamation was sharp.