Everywhere but at home he was strong and influential; there he was weak, submissive and of little account.

He had long ago accepted the situation, making a virtue of necessity.

A different man--one of stronger will and a more imperious spirit--would have held his own, even though it wrought bitterness and sorrow.

But Mr.Dinneford's aversion to strife, and gentleness toward every one, held him away from conflict, and so his home was at least tranquil.
Mrs.Dinneford had her own way, and so long as her husband made no strong opposition to that way all was peaceful.
For Edith, their only child, who was more like her father than her mother, Mr.Dinneford had the tenderest regard.

The well-springs of love, choked up so soon after his marriage, were opened freely toward his daughter, and he lived in her a new, sweet and satisfying life.