Neither did it seem necessary to him that she should be consulted in any way about her marriage.

However insubordinate she might as a child have been to others, to him, whenever they were brought into direct contact, she had always been perfectly submissive, and he expected her to continue so.

To such a length had his confidence in the success of his plans gone, that he had never in any way hinted them to his daughter--the thing was settled, and had become a part of the course of nature, in no way requiring to be discussed.

Under these circumstances, Mary spent two years of grown-up life at home.

They were very wearisome and depressing years, partly from her position, partly from her strong, and always growing, dislike to the cousin, who was so much more to her father than she was.