Page:The Tenant of Wildfell Hall (emended first edition), Volume 2.djvu/81

Rh the second Sunday after our arrival, he shocked and horrified me by another instance of his unreasonable exaction. We were walking home from the morning service—for it was a fine frosty day, and, as we are so near the church, I had requested the carriage should not be used:—

"Helen," said he, with unusual gravity, "I am not quite satisfied with you."

I desired to know what was wrong.

"But will you promise to reform, if I tell you?"

"Yes, if I can—and without offending a higher authority."

"Ah! there it is, you see—you don't love me with all your heart."

"I don't understand you, Arthur (at least, I hope I don't): pray tell me what I have done or said amiss?"

"It is nothing you have done or said; it is something that you are: you are too religious. Now I like a woman to be religious, and I think your piety one of your greatest charms,