But that was a vain wish.
The two men had been cast in far different moulds.
Martha, now in her eighteenth year, was more like her mother than any of the children, and but for the light of her presence Mrs.
Howland could hardly have kept her head above the waters that were rushing around her.

Toward Martha the conduct of her father had, from the first, been of a mild character compared with his action toward the other children; and this received a still farther modification, when it become apparent even to himself, that by his hardness he had estranged the affections of his elder children, and driven them away.

Gentle and loving in all her actions, she gradually won her way more and more deeply into the heart of her father, until she acquired a great influence over him.

This influence she had tried to make effectual in bringing about a reconciliation between him and her sister's husband; but, up to this time, her good offices were not successful.

The old man's prejudices remained strong--he was not prepared to yield; and Markland's self-love having been deeply wounded by Mr.Howland, he was not disposed to make any advances toward healing the breach that existed.