One morning, the week after Mark's death, Mr. Wylder desired Barbara to go with him to his study--where indeed about as much study went on as in a squirrel's nest--and there, after solemn prologue as to its having been right and natural while she was but a girl with a brother that she should be allowed a great deal of freedom, stated that now, circumstances being changed, such freedom could no longer be given her: she was now sole heiress, and must do as an heir would have had to do, namely, consult the interests of the family. In those interests, he continued, it was necessary he should strengthen as much as possible his influence in the county; it was time also that, for her own sake, she should marry; and better husband or fitter son-in-law than Mr. Lestrange could not be desired: he was both well behaved and good-looking, and when Mortgrange was one with Wylder, would have by far the finest estate in the county! Filial obligation is a point upon which those parents lay the heaviest stress who have done the least to develop the relation between them and their children. The first duty is from the parent to the child: this unfulfilled, the duty of the child remains untaught. “I am sorry to go against you, papa,” said Barbara, “but I cannot marry Mr. Lestrange!” “Stuff and nonsense! Why not?” “Because I do not love him.” “Fiddlesticks! I did not love your mother when I married her!--You don't dislike him, I know!--Now don't tell me you do, for I shall not believe you!” “He is always very kind to me, and I am sorry he should want what is not mine to give him.” “Not yours to give him! What do you mean by that? If it is not yours, it is mine! Have you not learned yet, that when I make up my mind to a thing, that thing is done! And where I have a right, I am not one to waive it!”