"Yes, I will do all that. I shall be glad of the opportunity to see the Home once more. Now Marion, I have earned a right to ask you a question. Why don't you get married?"
Marion threw back her head and laughed heartily. "Your question is so entirely unexpected, Doctor, that I shall have to think before I answer. Well, first, I am too busy to go about the country and select the right man. Second, I have formed such an elevated idea of the being whom I would be willing to see in that relation, that in case I had leisure I should be appalled at the difficulties in my path. Thirdly, I am just as happy now as I can be. I have my good old Hepsey and James Kelly, and all my poor people to take care of now. I'm sure I can't imagine what I should do, even with my ideal man." The laugh which followed was heart whole.
"Nevertheless," urged Dr. Moore, "describe this ideal man to me."
"His image is scarcely distinct enough for that. First of all, he must be a man who loves God and his neighbor as himself, as our Saviour has commanded."
"Humph! I don't know him, but go on."
"He must be both strong and tender, firm and gentle, courageous, kind, and courteous, capable of sympathy both in joy and grief. He must be humble in his opinion of himself." Here a sudden reflection checked her, and she added, softly, "Not too humble," then came to an abrupt pause.
"Appearance and manners," suggested the doctor, without glancing at her.
"Poor or rich is of no consequence; but he must have ability. Whatever his calling is, he must excel in it."
"Physician preferred, probably."
"Ye-es, or some kindred profession."