"I have never hit you, woman," he growled. "Though sometimes you make me wish to throttle you until your pretty neck snaps, but I have yet to act on that, hmm?" His words slurred a little. "You conniving... ice cold bitch." His eyes glittered and he said, "Why couldn't you ever just love Pearl the way you dote on the rest of the damned brood? She's gone off... and eloped. My little girl is ruined!" He sobbed.