Then, again, Mr.
Harding felt that if she should choose to become Mrs.Slope, he had nothing that he could justly urge against her doing so.

She had full right to please herself, and he, as a father, could not say that she would disgrace herself by marrying a clergyman who stood so well before the world as Mr.Slope did.

As for quarrelling with his daughter on account of such a marriage, and separating himself from her as the archdeacon had threatened to do, that, with Mr.Harding, would be out of the question.

If she should determine to marry this man, he must get over his aversion as best he could.

His Eleanor, his own old companion in their old happy home, must still be the friend of his bosom, the child of his heart.