To prolong the conflict would have availed nothing; Rhoda, doubtless, was in part actuated by the desire to conquer, and she knew her power over him.

So it was a mere repetition of the old story--a marriage like any other.

And how would it result?
She had great qualities; but was there not much in her that he must subdue, reform, if they were really to spend their lives together?
Her energy of domination perhaps excelled his.

Such a woman might be unable to concede him the liberty in marriage which theoretically she granted to be just.

Perhaps she would torment him with restless jealousies, suspecting on every trivial occasion an infringement of her right.