She never shames her husband; before the world she is a pattern of obedience; her voice is never loud, nor her looks sharp: doubtless she values power, and has not unsuccessfully striven to acquire it; but she knows what should be the limits of a woman's rule.
Not so Mrs.Proudie.This lady is habitually authoritative to all, but to her poor husband she is despotic.

Successful as has been his career in the eyes of the world, it would seem that in the eyes of his wife he is never right.

All hope of defending himself has long passed from him; indeed he rarely even attempts self-justification, and is aware that submission produces the nearest approach to peace which his own house can ever attain.
Mrs.Proudie has not been able to sit at the boards and committees to which her husband has been called by the State, nor, as he often reflects, can she make her voice heard in the House of Lords.

It may be that she will refuse to him permission to attend to this branch of a bishop's duties; it may be that she will insist on his close attendance to his own closet.

He has never whispered a word on the subject to living ears, but he has already made his fixed resolve.
Should such attempt be made he will rebel.