meanwhile, the self-made wealthy landlord percival develops an attraction to mary and hopes to marry the former aristocrat as evidence of his rising social status. one day middle-aged percival makes his intentions known to mary, who cannot resist his palatial home and the lifestyle he offers her. despite her love for arnold, she selfishly agrees to marry percival. after the wedding, they leave mary's infirm father in the care of a nurse and sail to the continent and spend the next year living abroad. during that time, percival gives her jewelry and expensive dresses, but does not give her the love she desires. he treats her as just another one of his belongings to display in front of his friends.