Page:Between Two Loves.djvu/104

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STEVE'S FAIR CHANCE.
99

ingly angry at its contents and the revelation of extravagance which it made.

After all, there was something in Aske's note which compelled Jonathan's respect, yet he waited in great anxiety Eleanor's next letter. It was a few lines of passionate rebellion that made him wretched. She said Anthony had decided to take her to some small German town to teach her economy and self-restraint; and she added, with a touch of that obstinacy which Jonathan understood so well, "If he thinks to conquer Eleanor Aske by isolating her he is very much mistaken." She went to Germany, however, without further resistance, but Aske undoubtedly had the worst of the discipline he had planned for his wife. She no longer complained, she expressed neither content nor discontent, but she convinced him thoroughly that a silent woman who does not eat, and who regards life with a vacant unconcern that nothing can stir, may be ten times more aggravating than the veriest scold.

Jonathan dreaded to see a letter from her, and yet if letters did not come he was restless and anxious, and completely taken possession of by the absent child whom he so dearly loved.