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Chapters (39)
  1. Cover
  2. The Private Life of Helen of Troy
  3. Contents
  4. NOTE
  5. PART I
  6. I
  7. II
  8. III
  9. IV
  10. V
  11. VI
  12. VII
  13. PART II
  14. I
  15. II
  16. III
  17. IV
  18. V
  19. VI
  20. PART III
  21. I
  22. II
  23. III
  24. IV
  25. V
  26. PART IV
  27. I
  28. II
  29. III
  30. IV
  31. V
  32. PART V
  33. I
  34. II
  35. III
  36. IV
  37. V
  38. VI
  39. VII

“Very probably,” said Eteoneus. “In my youth men had a firm way with women, especially with their wives; they just told them what to do or what not to, and disobedience meant a beating. If Hermione would give her consent, you might try that method on Helen. I wouldn’t advise you to do anything about Adraste without your wife’s permission, unless you really are prepared to revive that old-fashioned kind of argument.”

“I’ll see Helen about it, and I’ll send the girl away,” said Menelaus. “Thank you for your anxiety, Eteoneus, but I can still manage my own home. I don’t need your advice as to disciplining my wife. You’ll see, Adraste will go.”

“I doubt if you need me in any way,” said Eteoneus. “I’d like to retire as soon as you can find another gate-keeper.”

“Do you mean that?” said Menelaus.

“I do.”

“I can’t let you go till this Orestes affair is well over,” said Menelaus. “Don’t be hasty in making up your mind. I’ll tell Charitas’ husband you’ve made an apology which satisfies me, and I’ll guarantee your courtesy in the future. I’ll try to see that Hermione does not hold private conversations with you. When Orestes returns, let me know your final decision about the gate-keeping. I’d be glad to have you stay on. I should miss our occasional differences of opinion—we’ve had them for many years. You’re almost the only person now with whom I can—well, never mind!”

II

II

Menelaus looked worried. It may have been the accumulation of domestic disaster, or it may have been that he was about to demonstrate his ability to make Helen do what he wanted, but whatever the reason, he was haggard and suddenly old. He walked up and down several times, without any gain of confidence. Helen seemed prepared for something. She had an indefinable air of being amused. She never looked better.

“I’d like to talk with you about two matters,” he said. “One of them I think will please you. Pyrrhus accepts your invitation.”

“Your invitation,” said Helen.

“Well, he accepts the invitation, and will shortly be here. He probably is on the way now. I hope you are satisfied!”

“What about?”

“You are having your own way, aren’t you? A fine time to entertain him, with our household so—upset!”

“There couldn’t possibly be a worse time,” said Helen.

Menelaus walked up and down some more. He would pause in front of Helen, as though to give her his opinion, then he’d think better of it, and walk on. Helen looked a little sorry for him.