Cameron is a good fellow, and if ever any one were smitten, he is." "But Ellen's admiration of his character is rather too open and freely expressed for him to hope his affection, if he do love, is returned.

No, Eugene, Captain Cameron may be attracted, I grant you, but I do not fancy he will be Ellen's choice." "Do you know any whom you think will ?" "What a question," she said, smiling, "to tempt me to betray my cousin's secrets, if she had any, but candidly I must admit that as yet I know none.

It is a strange fancy, but I often think Ellen will be an old maid." "Why, is she so precise, so prim, so opinionated, so crabbed?
For shame, Emmeline, even to hint such a thing." "Nay, St.Eval, the shame is rather yours, for daring to associate such terms with a single woman.

To go through life alone, without sympathy, without any call for natural affections, always appears at first sight rather melancholy than otherwise; but why should dislike and prejudice be added to them?
I cannot think that a woman's remaining unmarried is any proof of her being unamiable." "Indeed, I am not so unjust," said the Earl, smiling; "when old maids conduct themselves properly, I esteem them quite as much and more than some married women.

But still Ellen shall not be an old maid; she is too pretty and too good, and would bless any man who may be happy enough to gain her affections and esteem.