But of late, and especially to-day, restlessness had become oppression.

While Marcella was so speedily to become the rich and independent woman, they themselves, Marcella's mother and father, were very poor, in difficulties even, and likely to remain so.

She gathered from her husband's grumbling that the provision of a suitable trousseau for Marcella would tax his resources to their utmost.

How long would it be before they were dipping in Marcella's purse?
Mrs.Boyce's self-tormenting soul was possessed by one of those nightmares her pride had brought upon her in grim succession during these fifteen years.

And this pride, strong towards all the world, was nowhere so strong or so indomitable, at this moment, as towards her own daughter.