It had done no harm in the case of Frederick.

He was his mother's son, every inch of him, and was as ready to turn up a supercilious nose at his old comrades as ever Madam could wish.
But Gertrude was different--she was excessively provoking at times.
She did not seem able to understand that if one intended to rise in the world, one must cut through a number of old ties, and start upon a fresh track.

It was not easy in those times to rise; but still the wealthier citizens did occasionally make a position for themselves, and get amongst the hangers-on of the Court party, especially if they were open handed with their money.
Madam often declared that if they only moved into another part of the town, everything she wanted could be attained; but on that point her husband was inexorable.

He loved the old bridge house.
There he had been born, and there he meant to die, and he had not the smnallest intention of removing elsewhere to please even the wife to whom he granted so many indulgences.
"You are a fool!" cried Madam, angrily; "you say those things only to provoke me.

I wish you had some right feeling and some conversation.