"Was my grandfather a learned man?" said Deronda, eager to know particulars that he feared his mother might not think of.
She answered impatiently, putting up her hand, "Oh, yes,--and a clever physician--and good: I don't deny that he was good. A man to be admired in a play--grand, with an iron will. Like the old Foscari before he pardons. But such men turn their wives and daughters into slaves. They would rule the world if they could; but not ruling the world, they throw all the weight of their will on the necks and souls of women. But nature sometimes thwarts them. My father had no other child than his daughter, and she was like himself."
She had folded her arms again, and looked as if she were ready to face some impending attempt at mastery.

"Was my grandfather a learned man?" said Deronda eagerly.
She answered impatiently, "Oh, yes, a clever physician - and good: I don't deny that. A man to be admired in a play - grand, with an iron will. But such men turn their wives and daughters into slaves. They would rule the world if they could; but since they cannot, they throw all the weight of their will onto women. But nature sometimes thwarts them. My father had no other child, and I was like himself.
