"'To leave this house!' she said, hoarsely.
"'Ah! you are tired of me, then?'
"'I am sick of you!--have long been sick of you!'
"'Indeed!' I said. 'That is curious! I thought our marriage was a love
affair, madam; at least you induced me to suppose so. What, then, has
suddenly changed your sentiments in my direction? Am I a monster? Have
I been cruel to you? Am I unworthy of you?'
"'I hate and despise you!'
"It was the hoarse growl of a wild animal rather than the voice of a
woman. She was imperial at that moment--and I acknowledge, Surry, that
she was 'game to the last!'
"'Ah! you hate me, you despise me!' I said. 'I have had the misfortune
to incur madam's displeasure! No more connubial happiness--no more
endearments and sweet confidences--no more loving words, and
glances--no more bliss!'
"She continued to glare at me.
"'I am unworthy of madam; I see that clearly,' I went on. 'I am only a
poor little, plain little, insignificant little country clodhopper! I
am nothing--a mere nobody,--while madam is--shall I tell you, madam?
While you are a convict--a bigamist,--and a poisoner! Are you not?'
"Her face became livid, but her defiant eyes never sank before my
glance. I really admired her, Surry. No woman was ever braver than that
one. I had supposed that these words would overwhelm her; that the
discovery of my acquaintance with her past life, and full knowledge of
her attempted crime, would crush her to the earth.
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