But Electa never interfered with Christopher again . All the discordant elements in the Holland household could not prevent the children from growing up . It was a consummation which the harrassed Caroline devoutly wished . When Christopher Holland was seventeen he was a man grown -- a big , strapping fellow . His childish beauty had coarsened , but he was thought handsome by many . He took charge of his mother 's farm then , and the brother and sister began their new life together in the long-unoccupied house . There were few regrets on either side when they left Charles Holland 's roof . In her secret heart Eunice felt an unspeakable relief . Christopher had been `` hard to manage , '' as his uncle said , in the last year . He was getting into the habit of keeping late hours and doubtful company . This always provoked an explosion of wrath from Charles Holland , and the conflicts between him and his nephew were frequent and bitter . For four years after their return home Eunice had a hard and anxious life . Christopher was idle and dissipated . Most people regarded him as a worthless fellow , and his uncle washed his hands of him utterly . Only Eunice never failed him ; she never reproached or railed ; she worked like a slave to keep things together . Eventually her patience prevailed . Christopher , to a great extent , reformed and worked harder . He was never unkind to Eunice , even in his rages . It was not in him to appreciate or return her devotion ; but his tolerant acceptance of it was her solace . When Eunice was twenty-eight , Edward Bell wanted to marry her .
He was a plain , middle-aged widower XXXXX four children ; but , as Caroline did not fail to remind her , Eunice herself was not for every market , and the former did her best to make the match .
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