He has made a regular offer, and girls in these days are not expected to be their father's slaves." Emily said nothing further to her aunt on that occasion, but finding that she must in truth "have it out" with her father presently, gave herself up to reflection.

It might probably be the case that the whole condition of her future life would depend on the way in which she might now "have it out" with her father.
I would not wish the reader to be prejudiced against Miss Wharton by the not unnatural feeling which may perhaps be felt in regard to the aunt.

Mrs.Roby was pleased with little intrigues, was addicted to the amusement of fostering love affairs, was fond of being thought to be useful in such matters, and was not averse to having presents given to her.

She had married a vulgar man; and, though she had not become like the man, she had become vulgar.

She was not an eligible companion for Mr.Wharton's daughter,--a matter as to which the father had not given himself proper opportunities of learning the facts.