In regard to the number of words, Mrs.Trevelyan certainly had had the best of it.

As far as any understanding, one of another, was concerned, the conversation had been useless.

She believed herself to be injured and aggrieved, and would continue so to assert, let him implore her to listen to him as loudly as he might.

"Yes;--I will listen, and I will obey you," she had said, "but I will not endure such insults without telling you that I feel them." Then he had left her, fully conscious that he had failed, and went forth out of his house into the City, to his club, to wander about the streets, not knowing what he had best do to bring back that state of tranquillity at home which he felt to be so desirable.
Mrs.Trevelyan was alone when Colonel Osborne's note was brought to her, and was at that moment struggling with herself in anger against her husband.

If he laid any command upon her, she would execute it; but she would never cease to tell him that he had ill-used her.