But I dont sympathize with her.

I dont pity Marmaduke one bit: if the whole family cuts him he will deserve it richly, but I do sympathize with him.

Can you wonder at his preference?
When we went to see that woman last June I envied her.

There she was, clever, independent, successful, holding her own in the world, earning her living, fascinating a crowd of people, whilst we poor respectable nonentities sat pretending to despise her--as if we were not waiting until some man in want of a female slave should offer us our board and lodging and the privilege of his lordly name with 'Missis' before it for our lifelong services.

You may make up as many little bread-and-butter romances as you please, Marian; but I defy you to give me any sensible reason why Marmaduke should chain himself for ever to a little inane thing like Constance, when he can enjoy the society of a capable woman like that without binding himself at all." "Nonsense, Nelly! Really, you oughtnt to say such things." "No.