I wanted specially to know, for of course if he was being a prospective suitor to any one, she'd be my new mother, maybe.

And I'm going to be awfully particular about any new mother coming into the house.
A whole lot more, even, depends on mothers than on fathers, you know; and if you're going to have one all ready-made thrust upon you, you are sort of anxious to know what kind she is.

Some way, I don't think I'd like a new mother even as well as I'd like a new father; and I don't believe I'd like _him_ very well.
Of course, there are quite a lot of ladies here that Father _could_ have.

There are several pretty teachers in the schools, and some nice unmarried ladies in the church.

And there's Miss Parmelia Snow.