He had always thought his girls extraordinary girls, and born to be distinguished.

"Perhaps she has a lord in view," he concluded: it being his constant delusion to suppose that high towering female sense has always a practical aim at a material thing.

He was no judge of the sex in its youth.

"Just speak to her," he said to Wilfrid.
Wilfrid had heard from Emilia that there was a tragic background to this outward placidity; tears on the pillow at night and long vigils.

Emilia had surprised her weeping, and though she obtained no confidences, the soft mood was so strong in the stately lady, that she consented to weep on while Emilia clasped her.