Magnolia did not speak and he said no more.
They were both aware that Mrs. Vandevilt after nineteen years of fighting her way to the pinnacle of Social fame did not look in the least like a Madonna, but more perhaps like a Medusa with diamonds instead of snakes in her hair.
What had emerged soon after their marriage was the fact that Mrs. Vandevilt had a will of iron and a determination to have her own way whatever the opposition.
She browbeat those she employed, and her husband, finding it distasteful to be involved in arguments of any sort, just retired into the background of her life.
He was content to enjoy his pictures and the very few congenial friends who shared the same interests that he had.
It was impossible for him therefore to interfere with Magnolia’s early upbringing, ev
