cannot escape your vow
any more than I can the marriage oath. And now, we have had enough of
these odious scenes of mutual reproach. You have fully instructed me in
your resolve, to punish a dead man for the love I bear his ashes, by
depriving myself and my son, after your death, of the estate I have
shared with you. I am fully aware of your intentions, and I congratulate
you on the pleasant task you have prepared for yourself, of choosing an
heir amongst half-a-dozen needy relations; and, now, if you have any
doubt as to my plans, I will tell you them, once for all, and let there
be an end to this childish struggling between us. I married you in order
to procure a home for my son, and for myself the luxury in which my
nature delights; both of these you are bound to give us in your
lifetime, and you are decided to dispossess us of them hereafter. If,
then, your belief that you have an incurable malady be true, we have not
long to enjoy these benefits, for which I sacrificed that which is
dearest to a woman's heart--the faithfulness of her worship to one
alone; and, therefore, since the price I paid for them has proved so
tremendous, I will, at least, make the most of them while they are left
to me. My son shall not stir one hour from this house; I will not
descend one step from my place, as mistress of the Abbey and all your
wealth; and, if we survive you, as you predict, I will promise you not
to curse your memory, because I should lose my self-respect in so doing,
since, be you what you may, I have given you the title of my husband."
And the haughty woman turned from him as she spoke, sweeping her
gorgeous robes after her with so dignified a movement, so stately a
curve of the proud neck, that his anger was almost quelled in admiration
of her queen-like beauty. Lady Randolph had reached the door, when she
paused and looked back, "We have forgotten Lilias Randolph: is it your
pleasure to receive her here in my presence?"

"Yes, send for her at once," he answered, eagerly seizing a pretext to
keep her in his sight; for, despite her bitter words--despite the age
which sent the blood so sluggishly through his veins--he ever felt, when
she left the room, that going forth of strength from the soul with the
departing of one beloved, which is the penalty of a deep affection. She
rung a little silver hand-bell, and desired that the new-comer should be
conducted to this room; and then she sat down immovably to await her,
withou