These were the first words which the two had exchanged since Sir Robert had become aware of his wife’s attempt to run away from him. Rhoda held her breath as she listened, without daring to look up. There was quite a new tone in Sir Robert’s voice, and instead of being all gentleness and kindness to his wife, consulting her convenience and yielding to her wishes, he was laying down the law as to his plans, and quite simply taking her adhesion for granted, just like an ordinary husband. Her answer did not disconcert him in the least, neither did it appear to have any weight with him. “I have decided for you this time,” he said quietly. “And all that is left for you to do is to fall in with my plans.” Lady Sarah looked up. This was a change indeed. “Where are you going?” she asked in the same sullen tone as before. “To Paris first. Then on to Lyons, and Marseilles. I don’t think you know Marseilles?” “No. I don’t wish to know it.” “I’ve no doubt you will like it when you are there.” “I prefer the Riviera.” “You have been there so often. It will be better for you to have a thorough change.” “I don’t want a change. You can go to Marseilles and I’ll go to Monte Carlo with my mother, as usual.” Sir Robert looked at her with a new determination in his eyes. “No. I’ve made my arrangements, and you must fall in with them. You have had your own way about your holiday for a good many winters; now you must give way to mine.” Lady Sarah looked up with hard, mutinous eyes. But there was a look in those of her husband which she could not meet more than a few moments. With an impatient shrug of the shoulders she turned away and walked towards the door. “The carriage will be round in five minutes,” said he. “Please get ready quickly, as we haven’t much time to catch the train.” “I should advise you to go alone. I shall be a most dull companion to-day, I can assure you.” “Well, it will be a very proper revenge on your part. For you have found me a dull companion very often, I believe.” Rhoda could have sunk into the earth for shame and surprise at this unpleasant trial of strength between husband and wife, so utterly different from any scene she had ever witnessed between the two before. Sir Robert held the door open for his wife to pass out, and she ran quickly upstairs. Rhoda wondered whether she would obey the command given her, and waited with a fast beating heart. Little Caryl, who had been a silent observer, turned to her and beckoned. “Why is papa so different? And mama too?” he asked under his breath. And Rhoda could find no answer. Within the five minutes accorded her Lady Sarah came downstairs hastily and not very carefully dressed, and looking as unlike as possible the brilliant, laughing creature who had been accustomed to impose her will upon all around her.