She never argued with him; argument was worse than futile.

But steadfastly and incessantly she sought by her moderation to balance the difficulties with which she was continually confronted.

And to a certain extent she succeeded.

Open struggles were very rare.

Sir Giles knew that there was a limit to her submission, and he seldom, if ever now, attempted to force her beyond that limit.
But she knew that a visit from Nap would place her in an intolerable position, and with all her heart she hoped that her caution of the previous day had taken effect.