"Be silent!" I cried, sternly. "Of what use is this subterfuge? You cannot deceive me." "I never tried to r I would not be so wicked. It is cruel of you to pick a quarrel with me the moment we are married. People wouldn't believe it if they were told. For God's sake, get me a little brandy!" "From me, Barbara, not one drop!" "You won't?" "No, I will not." "Brute! Leave my room!" I was glad to obey her, feeling how idle it was to pursue the conversation. The moment I was gone I heard her scramble from the bed and lock the door. Then I heard the sound of things being violently tossed about, and presently the door was unlocked, and she stood before me with a flaming face. "You are a thief!" she screamed. "You are a sneak and a spy----" "Hush, Barbara! The people in the hotel will hear you." "Let them hear! What do I care? You are my husband, and you are a thief. How dare you rob me? How dare you sneak, and pry, and search my boxes, while I am asleep? You'll be picking my pocket, next, I suppose. But I'll show you that a married woman has rights. You men can't grind poor weak women into the dust any longer. I'll show you!" She rang the bell violently. "The servants must not see you in that state, Barbara," I said, with my back against the door. "They shall see me in any state I please, and I will let them know--I will let all the world know--that we have been married hardly a day, and that this is the way you are treating me. I give you fair warning. If you don't get me the brandy I will scream the house down!" What could I do? A waiter rapped at the door, and asked what monsieur required. I gave him the order, and when the brandy was brought I took it from him without allowing him to enter. Before I had time to turn round Barbara snatched the decanter from my hand, and ran with it into the bedroom. In a few minutes she returned, looking, to my astonishment, bright and well. "See what good it has done me," she said, in a blithe tone. "When I am suffering nothing has such an effect upon me as a small glass of brandy. It pulls me together in a moment almost. The doctor ordered it especially for me, and when I can't get it at once I feel as if I should go mad. I don't know what I say or do, so I am not accountable, you know. Ask the doctor. I'll let you into my secret, my dear.' All women take it, from the highest to the lowest. Fact, upon my word. You are a goose. Now, we will not quarrel any more, will we? Kiss me, and make it up." I kissed her to keep her quiet, and, indeed, I felt that I was helpless in the hands of this brazen and cunning woman. "Barbara," I said, "you have caused me the greatest grief I have ever experienced." "I am so sorry, so very, very sorry!" she murmured. "Can I say more than that?" "You can, Barbara. You can promise me never to drink spirits again." "Do you think I ever intend to?" she asked, in a tone of astonishment. "I don't know."