Page:The Tenant of Wildfell Hall (emended first edition), Volume 2.djvu/200

190 tyrant, you'll make me regret my choice in good earnest, and envy my friend Hattersley, his meek little wife—she's quite a pattern to her sex, Helen; he had her with him in London all the season, and she was no trouble at all. He might amuse himself just as he pleased, in regular bachelor style, and she never complained of neglect; he might come home at any hour of the night or morning, or not come home at all; be sullen sober, or glorious drunk; and play the fool or the madman to his own heart's desire without any fear or botheration. She never gives him a word of reproach or complaint, do what he will. He says there's not such a jewel in all England, and swears he wouldn't take a kingdom for her."

"But he makes her life a curse to her."

"Not he! She has no will but his, and is always contented and happy as long as he is enjoying himself."

"In that case, she is as great a fool as he is; but it is not so. I have several letters from