"Margaret, I positively forbid your going!" said Canning, in much
excitement.

"I deny your right to command me! In consenting to become your wife,
I did not make myself your slave; although it is clear from this,
and other things that have occurred since our marriage, that you
consider me as occupying that position."

"Then it is your intention to go with this man?" said Canning, again
speaking in a calm but deep voice.

"Certainly it is."

"Very well. I will not make any threat of what I will do, Margaret.
But this I can assure you, that lightly as you may think of this
matter, if persevered in, it will cause you more sorrow than you
have ever known. Go! Go against my wish--against my command, if you
will have it so--and when you feel the consequence, lay the blame
upon no one but yourself. And now let me say to you, Margaret, that
your conduct as a wife has tended rather to estrange your husband's
heart from you than to win his love. I say this now, because I may
not have--"

"James! It is folly for you to talk to me after that fashion,"
exclaimed Margaret, breaking in upon him. "I--"

But before she could finish the sentence, Canning had left the room,
closing the door hard after him.