If he were left to himself he would speculate wildly, and this is why his father is obliged to overlook all that he does in the office.

It is just here that you can be of such wonderful help to him, Gabriella, by your influence.

This is why I am telling you." But had she any influence over him?
In spite of his passion for her had she ever turned him by so much as a hair's breadth from the direction of his impetuous desires?
Once only she had withstood him--once only she had triumphed, and for that triumph she had paid by a complete surrender! She had been too glad to yield, too fearful of bringing a cloud over the sunny blue of his eyes.
"I want to help him--I want you to tell me how I can help him," she said earnestly.

"While we are with you this winter, you must teach me how to do it.

Before we begin housekeeping in the summer, I want to learn all I possibly can about George's affairs.