Her happy insignificance had served her as a protection.

No one thought it worth his while to fetter her with those numerous petty restrictions with which the daughters of opulence are commonly tormented.

She had the wildness, as well as the delicate frame, of the bird that warbles unmolested in its native groves.
When therefore she heard from her kinsman the proposal of Mr.Grimes for a husband, she was for a moment silent with astonishment at so unexpected a suggestion.

But as soon as she recovered her speech, she replied, "No, sir, I do not want a husband." "You do! Are not you always hankering after the men?
It is high time you should be settled." "Mr.Grimes! No, indeed! when I do have a husband, it shall not be such a man as Mr.Grimes neither." "Be silent! How dare you give yourself such unaccountable liberties ?" "Lord, I wonder what I should do with him.

You might as well give me your great rough water-dog, and bid me make him a silk cushion to lie in my dressing-room.