Still, when she came to think of it, she had recognized this and felt a vague dissatisfaction with her lot before George had talked to her.

In fact, the dissatisfaction had begun soon after she wandered through the bush and paddled about the lake with Thirlwell.
For all that, she was not going to give up the resolve she had made long ago.

She owed her father much, and must carry out the task he had unconsciously left her.

She meant to search the country he had traveled for the silver vein; and then, if she was persuaded it could not be found, she would have paid her debt and be free to lead the life that others led.

In the meantime, she was, so to speak, set apart, like a nun, from common joys and sorrows by a vow that must be kept.