I am a man, and a husband; you a woman, and a wife,--we are equal as to rights and duties--equal in the eyes of God; but to the man and husband appertains a certain precedence in action; consent, co-operation and approval, if he be a thoughtful and judicious man, appertaining to the wife." As Emerson spoke thus, he noticed a sign of returning warmth in her pale face, and a dim, distant flash in her eyes.

Her proud spirit did not accept this view of their relation to each other.

He went on: "If a wife has no confidence in her husband's manly judgment, if she cannot even respect him, then the case is altered.

She must be understanding and will to herself; must lead both him and herself if he be weak enough to consent.

But the relation is not a true one; and marriage, under this condition of things, is only a semblance." "And that is your doctrine ?" said Irene.