But I suppose you mean to punish me in some way, to--to give me a lesson that will hurt me all my life.

You have me at your mercy, and--and I shall have to bear it, whatever it is.

But before--before you make me hate you, let me say this: I am your wife.

Hadn't you better remember that before you punish me?
I--I shan't hate you so badly so long as I know that you remember that." She stopped.

She was wringing her hands fast together to subdue her agitation.
Piet had risen with her, but she could no longer search his face.