I cannot understand its meaning.
Will you explain yourself ?" "Certainly.

I am always ready to give a reason for my conduct," she replied, with cold dignity.
"Say on, then." Emerson spoke with equal coldness of manner.
"I did not wish to ride out, and said so in the beginning.

That ought to have been enough for you.

But no--my wishes were nothing; your will must be law." "And that is all! the head and front of my offending!" said Emerson, in a tone of surprise.
"It isn't so much the thing itself that I object to, as the spirit in which it is done," said Irene.
"A spirit of overbearing self-will!' said Emerson.
"Yes, if you choose.

That is what my soul revolts against.