And Miss Mackenzie, who was at present desirous of marrying a very strict evangelical clergyman, thought with envy of the social advantages and pleasant iniquities of her wicked neighbour.
"Oh, I don't know. I've a few friends, but that comes of being here so long. And then, you see, I ain't particular as you are. I always see that when a lady goes in to be evangelical, she soon finds a husband to take care of her; that is, if she has got any money. It all goes on very well, and I've no doubt they're right. There's my friend Mary Baker, she's single still; but then she began very late in life. Now about Mr Maguire."
"Well, Miss Todd."
"In the first place, I really don't think he has got much that he can call his own."
"He hasn't got anything, Miss Todd; he told me so himself."
"Did he, indeed?" said Miss Todd; "then let me tell you he is a deal honester than they are in general."
"Oh, he told me that. I know he's got no income in the world besides his curacy, and that he has thrown up."
"And therefore you are going to give him yours."
"I don't know about that, Miss Todd; but it wasn't about money that I was doubting. What I've got is enough for both of us, if his wants are not greater than mine. What is the use of money if people cannot be happy together with it? I don't care a bit for money, Miss Todd; that is, not for itself. I shouldn't like to be dependent on a stranger; I don't know that I would like to be dependent again even on a brother; but I should take no shame to be dependent on a husband if he was good to me."
"That's just it; isn't it?"