He
perpetually, therefore, had before him an enfeebled reflection of
himself, and this much irritated him, notwithstanding his love for
her; for who could help loving a woman who, without the least
hesitation, would have opened her veins at his command, and have
given up every drop of blood in her body for him? Over and over
again I have heard him offer some criticism on a person or event, and
the customary chime of approval would ensue, provoking him to such a
degree that he would instantly contradict himself with much
bitterness, leaving poor Mrs. M'Kay in much perplexity. Such a shot
as this generally reduced her to timid silence. As a rule, he always
discouraged any topic at his house which was likely to serve as an
occasion for showing his wife's dependence on him. He designedly
talked about her household affairs, asked her whether she had mended
his clothes and ordered the coals. She knew that these things were
not what was upon his mind, and she answered him in despairing tones,
which showed how much she felt the obtrusive condescension to her
level. I greatly pitied her, and sometimes, in fact, my emotion at
the sight of her struggles with her limitations almost overcame me
and I was obliged to get up and go.
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