He had no romantic ideas of love; but he was too sensible a man not to know that a wife should be a companion,--not merely a speculation.

He did not care for beauty and genius, but he liked health and good temper, and a certain proportion of useful understanding.

He chose a wife from his reason, not his heart, and a very good choice he made.

Mrs.Mervale was an excellent young woman,--bustling, managing, economical, but affectionate and good.

She had a will of her own, but was no shrew.