Page:The Tenant of Wildfell Hall (emended first edition), Volume 2.djvu/193

Rh "Oh, I don't dispute your claim to their possession, but I never complain of mine."

"No—how should you, when you never do anything to try them?"

"Then why do you try yours, Arthur?"

"Do you think I have nothing to do but to stay at home and take care of myself like a woman?"

"Is it impossible then, to take care of yourself like a man when you go abroad? You told me that you could—and would too; and you promised—"

"Come, come, Helen, don't begin with that nonsense now; I can't bear it."

"Can't bear what?—to be reminded of the promises you have broken?"

"Helen, you are cruel. If you knew how my heart throbbed, and how every nerve thrilled through me while you spoke, you would spare me. You can pity a dolt of a servant for breaking a dish; but you have no compassion for me, when my head is split