As each day passed, the more close and perfect grew the sympathies of
husband and wife,--they were like two notes of a perfect chord, sounding
together in sweetest harmony. Naturally, much of this easy and mutual
blending of character and disposition arose from Thelma's own gracious
and graceful submissiveness,--submissiveness which, far from humiliating
her, actually placed her (though she knew it not) on a throne of almost
royal power, before which Sir Philip was content to kneel--an ardent
worshipper of her womanly sweetness. Always without question or demur,
she obeyed his wishes implicitly,--though, as has been before mentioned,
she was at first a little overpowered and startled by the evidences of
his wealth, and did not quite know what to do with all the luxuries and
gifts he heaped upon her. Britta's worldly prognostications had come
true,--the simple gowns her mistress had worn at the Altenfjord were
soon discarded for more costly apparel,--though Sir Philip had an
affection for his wife's Norwegian costumes, and in his heart thought
they were as pretty, if not prettier, than the most perfect triumphs of
a Parisian _modiste_.
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