Nothing in his engagement had pleased him more than the readiness with which she had given up her work at his request.

He abhorred independence in a wife; and Gabriella's immediate and unresisting acquiescence in his desire appeared to him to establish the fact of her essential and inherent femininity.

Had not all laws, as well as all religions, proclaimed that woman should be content to lay down not only her life but her very identity for love; and that Gabriella was womanly to the core of her nature, in spite of her work in Brandywine's millinery department, it was impossible to doubt while he kissed her.

There were times, indeed, when the exaltation of Gabriella's womanliness seemed to have left her without a will of her own; when, in a divine submission to love, she appeared to exist only for the laudable purpose of making her lover happy.
"I'd do anything on earth for you, Gabriella," said George suddenly.

"I wonder if you would make a sacrifice for me if I asked it ?" From his face as he looked down on her it was evident that he was not speaking from impulse, but that he had seized an opportune moment.
"You know I would, George.