Never mind the pieces now, Benson; you can clear them away afterwards.' Glad to be released, Benson expeditiously set out the dessert and withdrew.
'What could you mean, Helen, by taking the servant's part against me,' said Arthur, as soon as the door was closed, 'when you knew I was distracted ?' 'I did not know you were distracted, Arthur: and the poor man was quite frightened and hurt at your sudden explosion.' 'Poor man, indeed! and do you think I could stop to consider the feelings of an insensate brute like that, when my own nerves were racked and torn to pieces by his confounded blunders ?' 'I never heard you complain of your nerves before.' 'And why shouldn't I have nerves as well as you ?' 'Oh, I don't dispute your claim to their possession, but I never complain of mine.' 'No, how should you, when you never do anything to try them ?' 'Then why do you try yours, Arthur ?' 'Do you think I have nothing to do but to stay at home and take care of myself like a woman ?' 'Is it impossible, then, to take care of yourself like a man when you go abroad?
You told me that you could, and would too; and you promised--' 'Come, come, Helen, don't begin with that nonsense now; I can't bear it.' 'Can't bear what ?--to be reminded of the promises you have broken ?' 'Helen, you are cruel.

If you knew how my heart throbbed, and how every nerve thrilled through me while you spoke, you would spare me.

You can pity a dolt of a servant for breaking a dish; but you have no compassion for me when my head is split in two and all on fire with this consuming fever.' He leant his head on his hand, and sighed.

I went to him and put my hand on his forehead.

It was burning indeed.
'Then come with me into the drawing-room, Arthur; and don't take any more wine: you have taken several glasses since dinner, and eaten next to nothing all the day.