He could not oppose his mother, and the knowledge that he could not oppose her increased his annoyance.

As far back as he could remember she had governed her household as a benevolent despot; and the fact that she lived entirely for others appeared to him to have endowed her with some unfair advantage.

Her very unselfishness had developed into an unscrupulous power to ruin their lives.

How was it possible to weigh one's personal preferences against an irresistible force which was actuated simply and solely by the desire for one's good?
Who could withstand a virtue which had encased itself in the first principle of religion--which gave all things and demanded nothing except the sacrifice of one's immortal soul?
"I am ready now," he said; and then as they went downstairs together, he added contritely: "After this I'll try to remember." "I hope you will, my dear.

It vexes your father." Even in his childhood Stephen had understood that his father's "vexation" existed only as an instrument of correction in the hands of his mother.