The prolonged evening prayers, the sermons twice a-week, the two long church services on Sundays,--indulgence as to the third being allowed to him only on the score of his age,--he endured at her command.

And in regard to Hester, he had hitherto been ruled by his wife, thinking it proper that a daughter should be left in the hands of her mother.

But now, when he was told that if he did not interfere, his girl would be constrained by the harsh bonds of an unnatural life, stern as he was himself and inclined to be gloomy, little as he was disposed to admit ideas of recreation and delight, he did acknowledge that something should be done to relieve her.

'But when I die she must be left in her mother's hands,' said the old banker.
'It is to be hoped that she may be in other hands before that,' replied his son.

'I do not mean to say anything against my step-mother;--but for a young woman it is generally best that she should be married.