This scene shows Daniel talking to Mary. He promises there will be no more hitting from her father, looking him square in the eyes when he says it. It is also made clear that he bought a new dress for her. Daniel has done this because earlier in the film HW stated that he fancied Mary. Daniel is creating a sense of trust with Mary who he hopes will eventually be HW's wife, and furthermore, the closest he has to continuing his legacy, even if it isn't by blood. This also shows that Daniel is thinking about HW's better interest.
