If the mother's strength should altogether fail her, would it not go badly with the baby?
So the cook had argued, who had been stern enough herself, anxious enough to secure 'Miss Hester' from the wickedness of John Caldigate.

But she was now cowed and frightened, and had acknowledged to herself that if 'Miss Hester' would not give way, then she must be allowed to go forth, let the wickedness be what it might.
'There must be an end to this,' said the old man.
'What end ?' asked his wife.

'Let her obey her parents.' 'I will obey only my husband,' said Hester.
'Of course there must be an end.

Let her go to her bed, and, weary as I am, I will wait upon her as only a mother can wait upon her child.

Have I not prayed for her through the watches of the night, that she might be delivered from this calamity, that she might be comforted by Him in her sorrow?
What have I done these two last weary days but pray to the Lord God that He might be merciful to her ?' 'Let me go,' said Hester.
'I will not let you go,' said the mother, rising from her seat.