"How vain you are of your lover, Jessie! You would be just as proud of him if he had not his handsome face, of course?"
"Of course I would."
"I will not marry a handsome man! However, tell me some more about the cousin. Why should he bury himself at Shellbeach? I should think a man of any aspiration could not endure such a contracted life. I suppose he is as gossiping and weak-minded as a country minister."
"My dear Margaret!"
"I know you think me uncharitable. The truth is, men exasperate me; and then remember I am twenty-five and not engaged."
"You have no one to blame except yourself."
"I don't know about that. Is it my fault that young men are all alike, and inexpressibly wearisome? Seriously, I am tired of being Miss Lester, and mean to change my condition. Why do you look at me in that peculiar manner?"
"I was wondering how you would suit the doctor."
"Does he want to be suited?"
"I should think so, from his letter."