Patty, meanwhile, had quite enough betray’d

Of her own mind to make her James afraid 230

Of one so simply pure: his hardening heart

Inclined to anger—he resolved to part.

Why marry Patty?—if he look’d around,

More advantageous matches might be found;

But, though he might a richer wife command,

He first must break her hold upon his hand.

She with a spinster-friend retired awhile—

“Not long,” she said—and said it with a smile.