He always believed he loved his daughter, but the fear of rabies obliged the Marquis to admit to himself that this was a lie for the sake of convenience. Bernarda, on the other hand, did not even ask herself the question, for she knew very well she did not love the girl and the girl did not love her, and both things seemed fitting. A good part of the hatred each of them felt for Sierva Maria was caused by the other's qualities in her.Anonymous
About This Quote
In this quote from the book, In Search of Lost Time , by Marcel Proust, Bernarda and the Marquis of Bolibar are talking about their daughter. The events that have taken place between them have left a bitter taste in their mouths and they cannot stand to see each other. The Marquis wants to have a divorce from his wife but he does not want to give her money so he has an affair with a young girl named Sierva Maria. When Sierva Maria is born, the Marquis tries to have her baptised as his daughter so that he will not have to give her money.
His daughter eventually grows up and is terrified of him due to his physical appearance. In order for the Marquis to gain more respect from his wife, he has Sierva Maria baptised as his daughter so that he can control her without giving her money.
Source: Of Love And Other Demons
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