noon
`` Girl , '' he replied , in those firm deep tones of grave authority , which he deemed the best calculated to control her excitement , `` You are mad ! Mad , and ungrateful ; and like a frantic dog would turn and rend the hand that feeds you , for a shadow . I never thought of making you an instrument ; fool indeed had I been , to think I could hoodwink such an intellect as yours ! If I have striven to clear away the mists of prejudice from before your eyes , which , in your senseless anger , you now call corrupting you , it was because I saw in you a kindred spirit to mine own , capable to soar fearless and undazzled into the very noon of reason . If I have taught you to indulge your passions , opened a universe of pleasures to your ken , it was that I saw in you a woman of mind so manly , that all the weaknesses , which fools call affections , would be but powerless to warp it from its purpose . I would have made you '' -- `` The world 's scorn ! '' she interrupted him , bitterly ; but he went on , without noticing the interruption -- `` The equal of myself in intellect , in energy , and wisdom ; else how had you dared to brave me thus , whom never man yet braved and lived to boast of it !