He had already waited over three years, in the hope that one or two hundred dollars per annum would be added to his light income.

But, as this much-desired improvement in his condition did not take place, and both he and his lady-love grew impatient of delay, it was settled between them, that, by using strict economy in their expenses, they could get along very well on four hundred dollars a year.
"If there should be no increase of family," was the mental exception that forced itself upon Mr.Bancroft, but this he hardly felt at liberty to suggest; and as it was the only reason he could urge against the step that was so favorably spoken of by his bride to be, he could do no less than resolve, with a kind of pleasant desperation, to take it and let the worst come, if it must come.
Single blessedness had become intolerable.

Three years of patient waiting had made even patience, itself, no longer a virtue.
So the marriage took place.

Two comfortable rooms in a very comfortable house, occupied by a very agreeable family, with the use of the kitchen, were rented for eighty dollars a year, and, in this modest style, housekeeping was commenced.

Mrs.Bancroft did all her own work, with the exception of the washing.