'Did he see your step-mother ?' asked the old man.
'Oh yes; and as far as I can understand, did not receive very much favour at her hands.' 'But he did not see Hester ?' 'Certainly not to-day.' Then the old man looked up into his son's face, as though seeking some expression there from which he might take some counsel.

His own nature had ever been imperious; but he was old now, and, in certain difficulties which environed him, he was apt to lean on his son Robert.
It was Robert who encouraged him still to keep in his hands some share of the management of the bank; and it was to Robert that he could look for counsel when the ceremonious strictness of his wife at home became almost too hard even for him.
'It is natural to suppose that Hester should be married some day,' said the lawyer.
'Her mother will never wish it.' 'She will never wish it at any given moment, but she would probably assent to the proposition generally.

Why not Hester as well as another girl?
It is the happiest life for women.' 'I am not sure.

I am not sure.' 'Women think so themselves, and Hester will probably be the same as others.

She will, of course, have an opinion of her own.' 'She will be guided by her mother.' 'Not altogether.