She dropped into his arms, he set her upon her feet, drew her hand within
his arm, and walked away with her.
"I do not approve of tree-climbing for a married woman, Zoe," he said,
when they were out of ear-shot of the children; "at least, not for my
wife; and I must request you not to try it again."
"It's a pity I didn't know how much my liberty would be curtailed by
getting married," she returned bitterly.
"And I am exceedingly sorry it is out of my power to restore your liberty
to you, since it seems that would add to your happiness."
At that she hastily withdrew her hand from his arm and walked quickly away
from him, taking the direction of the house.
Leaning against a tree, his arms folded, his face pale and stern, he
looked after her with a heart full of keenest anguish. She had never been
dearer to him than at this moment, but alas, she seemed to have lost her
love for him, and what a life of miserable dissension they were likely to
lead, repenting at leisure their foolishly hasty marriage!
And she was half frantic with pain and passion. He was tired of her
already--before they had been married a year--he did not love her any
longer and would be glad to be rid of her.
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