"So you think it surprising that Mr. Bragg should have matrimonial intentions, do you?"
"Oh no. It isn't that. Mr. Bragg is a very kind-hearted man, and would be sure to make a good husband. And, do you know, he is very far from stupid, granny."
"I dare say. Joshua Bragg always had his head screwed on the right way."
"His manner is against him. Of course, he is uneducated; and rather slow. But, after all, that doesn't matter so very much."
"And he's rich," added Mrs. Dobbs in a dry tone.
"Ever so rich! I am sure he must have heaps and heaps of money, or else Aunt Pauline would not approve of him so highly."
"And not quite decrepit."
"Decrepit! What a word to use, granny! No; I should think not, indeed!"
"H'm! Neither a brute, nor in his dotage; and immensely rich—I don't know what a woman can wish for more!" said Mrs. Dobbs, with increasing bitterness.
"Why, granny!" exclaimed May, looking up. "I thought you rather liked Mr. Bragg! I have always heard you speak well of him."