have received no property with her. He was responsible for certain
wrongs committed by her after marriage, such as libel and slander, and
judgment could be recovered against him. If a wrong were committed
jointly by both, action might be brought against the husband alone. When
a judgment was recovered upon contract, or because of the wrongful act
of the wife, if the husband failed to pay it, he might be imprisoned.

[Sidenote: Widow's quarantine.]

After the death of the husband the law gave the widow a right to remain
forty days in his house, during which time her dower might be assigned.
This right was known as the "widow's quarantine."

[Sidenote: Custody of children.]

The father was legally entitled to the custody of his children,--the
right of the mother was never recognized, it being expressly stated by
Blackstone that "a mother, as such, is entitled to no power, but only to
reverence and respect." He might by will appoint a guardian for them
after his death, though yet unborn, and might apprentice them or give
them into the custody of others without the consent of the mother.

[Sidenote: Property rights.]

[Sidenote: Wife's paraphernalia]

All personal property belonging to the wife vested absolutely in the
husband at marriage. He could will it to whom he pleased or, if he died
without a will, it descended to his heirs. Even her wearing apparel and
ornaments known by the term "paraphernalia," belonged to the husband.