Her mother had expressed no wish.

It was he who had selected it.
Of her mother she had always stood somewhat in fear, never knowing when the mood of passionate affection would give place to a chill aversion that seemed almost like hate.

Perhaps it had been good for her, so she told herself in after years, her lonely, unguided childhood.

It had forced her to think and act for herself.

At school she reaped the benefit.