The man-brute turned. And in the final
battle, when the feminine principle is pitted against the masculine, I
fancy we shall know how to win the day. If we resort to primitive
methods it will be your own fault."

"I was invited for dinner to-morrow night, and had to decline because my
arms are black-and-blue."

"I don't repent," said Gwynne, doggedly.

There was another silence, and then he asked: "Haven't you been trying
to manage me?"

"I have only been trying to steer you in a new country--to make things a
little easier--"

"You are not always frank. And that is not altogether what I mean. I
hardly know myself what I do mean. Before I arrived I thought it likely
I should ma--want to marry you. In many respects you were designed to be
the wife of an ambitious public man. With your beauty, and brains, your
grand manner, and your subtlety--but it is the last that has put me
off. I have seen too many men managed by their wives. I never could
stand it. Doubtless my Celtic blood gives me the tiniest feminine drop.
It is only the big uncomplicated oafs that don't mind being managed by
their women. I should want the freest and most open companionship, but
with my will always in the ascendant--although no man would be more
indulgent to his wife."

"You will find thousands to answer all your requirements and
limitations."

"Much you know about it. True, this place is full of handsome and
attractive women--topping! And they have a free wild grace, a stride, a
swing--it is wonderful to watch them go up these hills. And I was vastly
entertained at luncheon, and at one or two of the houses where I was
afterward taken to call. But I doubt if I shall ever find anyone again
that possesses so many remarkable qualities in combination as your own
puzzling unsatisfactory self."

"I am not in the least like Mrs. Kaye, and you thought she combined
every quality under the sun."

"I expended the last of my calf love on Mrs. Kaye. I was blinded by
passion; but that my emotional depths were not even stirred was
manifested by the rapidity of my convalescence. We were utterly
unsuited. In many respects I should have been ashamed of her. Blood must
always tell in England--although in America--if Mrs. Hofer is a
type--well, this is the land of reversed theories. Mrs. Kaye and I would
have been at swords' points in less than a year. The next time I choose
a wife it will be with my judgment."

"And are you no longer capable of love?"