Page:The Tenant of Wildfell Hall (emended first edition), Volume 1.djvu/122

110, ignorant of her principal duties, and clever only in what concerns her least to know—then, you'll find the difference."

"It will do me good Mother; I was not sent into the world merely to exercise the good capacities and good feelings of others—was I?—but to exert my own towards them; and when I marry, I shall expect to find more pleasure in making my wife happy and comfortable, than in being made so by her: I would rather give than receive."

"Oh! that's all nonsense, my dear—It's mere boy's talk that! You'll soon tire of petting and humouring your wife, be she ever so charming, and then comes the trial."

"Well, then, we must bear one another's burdens."

"Then, you must fall each into your proper place. You'll do your business, and she, if she's worthy of you, will do hers; but it's your business to please yourself, and hers to please you. I'm sure your poor, dear father was as