I didn't know how to be anything except a well-to-do old maid or somebody's wife--and I couldn't be a well-to-do old maid.

Then, Bibbs, I did what I'd been raised to know how to do.

I went out to be fascinating and be married.

I did it openly, at least, and with a kind of decent honesty.

I told your brother I had meant to fascinate him and that I was not in love with him, but I let him think that perhaps I meant to marry him.