I gave you my heart and my hand--my love and my confidence--not my freedom.
The last is a part of my being, and I will maintain it while I have life." "Perverse girl! What insane spirit has got possession of your mind ?" exclaimed Emerson, chafed beyond endurance.
"Say on," retorted Irene; "I am prepared for this.

I have seen, from the hour of our marriage, that a time of strife would come; that your will would seek to make itself ruler, and that I would not submit.

I did not expect the issue to come so soon.

I trusted in your love to spare me, at least, until I could be bidden from general observation when I turned myself upon you and said, Thus far thou mayest go, but no farther.

But, come the struggle early or late--now or in twenty years--I am prepared." There came at this moment a rap at their door.