The desire to punish her physically, beat her, make her obey me, was the only thing I felt. A nice emotion for a wedding day! "Do you mean to wear them all the time, even when we go out in the world?" I asked when I could control my voice. "Probably." "Very well then, I consider you are breaking the bargain in spirit, if not in the letter. You, yourself, said you were going to be my permanent secretary--no secretary in the world would insist upon doing something she knew to be a great irritation to her employer." Silence. "You are only lowering yourself in my estimation by showing this obstinacy. Since we have now to live together, I would rather not have to grow to despise you for childishness." She started to her feet, and with violence threw the glasses on to the table. Her beautiful eyes flashed at me; the lashes are that peculiar curly kind, not black, but soft and dusky, a little lighter near the skin. It is the first time I have ever seen such eyelashes on a woman's lids. One sees them quite often on little boys, especially little vagabonds in the street. The eyes themselves are intensely blue, and with everything of passion and magnetism, and attraction, in them. It is no wonder she wore glasses while having to face the world by herself! A woman with eyes like that would not be safe alone in any avocation where men could observe her. I have never seen such expressive, fascinating eyes in my life. I thrilled in every fibre of my being, and with triumph also to think that our first battle should be won! "Thank you," I said, making my voice very calm. "I had grown so to respect your balance and serenity, I should have been sorry to have to change my opinion." I could see that she was palpitating with fury at having been made to obey. I felt it wise to turn the conversation. "I suppose lunch will be ready soon." She went towards the door then, and left me. I wondered what she would say when she got to her room and found the three sapphire bangles waiting for her on the dressing table! I had written on a card inside the lid of the box: "To Alathea with her husband's best wishes." Burton announced lunch before she returned to the sitting-room. I sent him to say that it was ready, and a moment after she came in. She had the case in her hand which she put down on the table, and her cheeks were very pink, her eyes she kept lowered. "I wish you would not give me presents," she gasped a little breathlessly, coming close up to my chair. "I do not care to receive them, you have loaded me with things--the sables, the diamond ring, the clothes, everything, and now these." I took the case and opened it, removing the bangles. "Give me your wrist," I said sternly. She looked at me too surprised at my tone to speak. I put out my hand and took her bare arm, her sleeves were to the elbows, and I deliberately put the three bracelets on while she stood petrified.