"Cromwell is no hero of mine," she said, coldly. "But I am trying to reconcile your admiration of despotism with your respect for other men's independence of character."
He reddened at her tone. "I choose to be the unquestioned and irresponsible master of my hands, during the hours they labour for me. But those hours past, our relation ceases; and then comes in the same respect for their independence that I myself exact."
He did not speak again for a minute, he was too much vexed. But he shook it off, and bade Mr. and Mrs. Hale good night. Then, drawing near to Margaret, he said in a lower voice--
"I spoke hastily to you once this evening, and I am afraid, rather rudely. But you know I am but an uncouth Milton manufacturer; will you forgive me?"

'Cromwell is no hero of mine,' said she, coldly. 'But I am trying to reconcile your admiration of despotism with your respect for other men's independence of character.'
He reddened at her tone. 'I choose to be the unquestioned master of my hands, during the hours that they labour for me. But after those hours, I respect their independence.' Vexed, he did not speak again for a minute. But he shook it off, and bade Mr. and Mrs. Hale good night.
To Margaret he said in a lower voice, 'I spoke hastily to you, and I am afraid, rather rudely. But you know I am only an uncouth Milton manufacturer; will you forgive me?'
