Folking was, or at any rate would be, his own, by right of inheritance, and it was not to be thought of that a man should be driven away from his natural duties and from the enjoyment of his natural privileges by the mad humours of a fanatic female.

In all this old Mr.Bolton was hardly consulted; but there was no reason why he should express an opinion.

He was giving his daughter absolutely no fortune; nor had he even vouchsafed to declare what money should be coming to her at his death.

John Caldigate had positively refused to say a word on the subject;--had refused even when instigated to do so by Hester's brother.

'It shall be just as he pleases,' Caldigate had said.
'I told your father that I was not looking after his daughter with any view to money, and I will be as good as my word.' Robert had told her father that something should be arranged;--but the old man had put it off from day to day, and nothing had been arranged.