There was no reason for delay.

He was well-off, his own master, and it was only her will that could hinder the speedy realization of that sweet domestic dream which had haunted him lately.
He told his sister what had happened next morning, when Martin Lister had left the breakfast table to hold audience with his farm bailiff, and those two were together alone.

He was a little tired of having his visits to the cottage criticised in Mrs.Lister's somewhat supercilious manner, and was very glad to be able to announce that Marian Nowell was to be his wife.
"Well, Gilbert," exclaimed the matron, after receiving his tidings with tightly-closed lips and a generally antagonistic demeanour, "I can only say, that if you must marry at all--and I am sure I thought you had quite settled down as a bachelor, with your excellent lodgings in Wigmore Street, and every I possible comfort in life--I think you might have chosen much better than this.

Of course, I don't want to be rude or unpleasant; but I cannot help saying, that I consider any man a fool who allows himself to be captivated by a pretty face." "I have found a great deal more than a pretty face to admire in Marian Nowell." "Indeed! Can you name any other advantages which she possesses ?" "Amiability, good sense, and a pure and refined nature." "What warrant have you for all those things?
Mind, Gilbert, I like the girl well enough; I have nothing to say against her; but I cannot help thinking it a most unfortunate match for you." "How unfortunate ?" "The girl's position is so very doubtful." "Position!" echoed Gilbert impatiently.

"That sort of talk is one of the consequences of living in such a place as Lidford.