I doubt whether there is a clergyman in the diocese of Ely more respected and thought of by all the upper classes than Augustus Smirkie.
'I do not ask Mrs.Caldigate, because, under present circumstances, she would not perhaps wish to go into company, and because Augustus has never yet had an opportunity of making her acquaintance.

I will only say that it is the anxious wish of us all here that you and she together may soon see the end of these terrible troubles .-- Believe me to be, your affectionate aunt, 'Maryanne Babington.' The writing of this letter had not been effected without much difficulty.

The Squire himself was not good at the writing of letters, and, though he did insist on seeing this epistle, so that he might be satisfied that Caldigate had been asked in good faith, he did not know how to propose alterations.

'That's all my eye,' he said, referring to his son-in-law that was to be.

'He's as good as another, but I don't know that he's any better.' 'That, my dear,' said Aunt Polly, 'is because you do not interest yourself about such matters.