I see her sometimes decked out like a horse going to fair, and I admire her for't.

A perfect little lady.

But people can't help their thoughts, and if she'd learnt to make figures instead of letters when she was at school 'twould have been better for her pocket; for as I said, there never were worse times for such as she than now.' 'Now, now, mother!' said Stephen with smiling deprecation.
'But I will!' said his mother with asperity.

'I don't read the papers for nothing, and I know men all move up a stage by marriage.

Men of her class, that is, parsons, marry squires' daughters; squires marry lords' daughters; lords marry dukes' daughters; dukes marry queens' daughters.
All stages of gentlemen mate a stage higher; and the lowest stage of gentlewomen are left single, or marry out of their class.' 'But you said just now, dear mother----' retorted Stephen, unable to resist the temptation of showing his mother her inconsistency.