"In marrying, sister," replied Baldwin, "a man takes a companion for life, and, therefore, he should select one whose qualities are of a substantial kind, and promise to last through life. Don't you think so?"
"Certainly. Everybody admits that."
"Very well. Suppose I, for instance, see two ladies, for each of whom I feel a preference above others, and wish to select one of them for my wife. One, I find, has been raised in what is called the best society; the other in what is called an inferior grade. Both are equally well educated; or, if there be any difference, it is in favor of the latter. The former has many conventional ideas of right and wrong, and is governed more by them than she is by her own clear sense of propriety: she is very apt to hesitate before doing a thing, and ask the question, What will people say? or, What will be thought of this? The other is free from mere conventional trammels, and is governed in all her acts by her own clear intuitions. She does not hesitate before she acts, except to ask, Is this right? Will this injure another? Now, admitting each to possess equal personal attractions, which of the two ought I to choose? Which would make me the most faithful and sustaining companion in the journey of life?"
"The latter, of course," replied the sister without hesitation.
"Undoubtedly."
"But, Edward, you draw a case that has no counterpart," urged Clara.
"There you are in error. It has its counterpart. Ella Hudson is as far superior to any young lady that I ever met in fashionable circles, as is one of the supposed individuals I have introduced, to the other. As for Miss Elbert, she is far less refined, lady-like, and accomplished then Ella Hudson, and far less worthy the love of any man."
"You speak strongly, Edward."
"I do; I mean all I say. Come, sister! lay aside a weak prejudice that is unworthy of you, and consent to go with me and be introduced to this excellent young lady. You must know each other, and the sooner it takes place the better. I shall need your aid in breaking down our mother's prejudices, that have no better foundation than yours."
Clara was silent. The last appeal of her brother had bewildered her mind. If what he said of Miss Hudson were really true, her natural good sense told her that Edward was right. But the prejudices of education were strong in her mind, and caused it to turn with unconquerable repugnance from the idea of intimate companionship with a music teacher, who was the daughter of a poor watchmaker.