Not time, but experience will show that, although indeed a simile, this is no hyperbole.
"I will leave your father to deal with you, Hesper," said her mother, and rose.
Up to this point, Mortimer children had often resisted their mother; beyond this point, never more than once.
"No, please, mamma!" returned Hesper, in a tone of expostulation.

"I have spoken my mind, but that is no treason.

As my father has referred Mr.Redmain to me, I would rather deal with him." Lady Malice was herself afraid of her husband.

There is many a woman, otherwise courageous enough, who will rather endure the worst and most degrading, than encounter articulate insult.

The mere lack of conscience gives the scoundrel advantage incalculable over the honest man; the lack of refinement gives a similar advantage to the cad over the gentleman; the combination of the two lacks elevates the husband and father into an autocrat.