eventually, mary discovers that the lifestyle she chose has not brought her happiness and that her loveless marriage to percival was a mistake. after she learns of her father's death, she asks percival for an annulment. left with no money and no place to live, mary ends up at arnold's cottage and humbly offers to work for him as a housekeeper. still feeling betrayed by mary's earlier rejection of their love, arnold cautiously accepts her offer, but for the next six months, he treats her in an insensitive and overbearing manner. gradually, their love is rekindled, arnold atones for his harsh behavior, and the two once again find happiness in each other.