Obedient
deference had been a habit with him from childhood, and, however
irksome and galling the slavery, it was not until he had made
practical acquaintance with the actual value of the life she wished
him to lead that there arose in him a disposition to rebel. Mrs.
Purling had all along been chafed with the notion that she did not
enjoy that social distinction to which as a wealthy woman she
considered herself entitled. In her own estimation she ranked very
high; but the best families of the neighbourhood did not accept her
valuation. Some went so far as to call her a vulgar old snob; and
"snobbish," as we understand the word, she certainly was. She
worshipped rank; and it was a very sore point with her that she was
not freely admitted into the best society of the county in which she
lived. She looked to Harold to redress her wrongs. Where she failed, a
handsome young fellow, of engaging presence and heir to a fine estate,
must assuredly succeed. He might, if he chose, be acceptable anywhere.
There was no limit to her dreams. He might mate with a duke's
daughter; and after such an alliance--who would presume to question
the social rights of the Purlings?
It was therefore her chief and greatest desire to make a man of
fashion of her son. Her purse was long--he might dip into it as deep
as he pleased.
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