in Josiah's arms.

"But, I reflected, more sterling qualities than mere playfulness and
prettiness are needed for a wife. Hannah, though not so charming,
clearly possessed both energy and sense--qualities highly necessary to a
poor man's wife. Hannah's father was a pious man, and was 'doing well'--a
thrifty, saving man, no doubt. He would have instilled into her lessons
of economy and virtue; and, later on, she might possibly come in for a
little something. She was the eldest of a large family. She was sure to
have had to help her mother a good deal. She would be experienced in
household matters, and would understand the bringing up of children.

"Julia's father, on the other hand, was a retired sea-captain. Seafaring
folk are generally loose sort of fish. He had probably been in the habit
of going about the house, using language and expressing views, the
hearing of which could not but have exercised an injurious effect upon
the formation of a growing girl's character. Juliana was his only child.
Only children generally make bad men and women. They are allowed to have
their own way too much. The pretty daughter of a retired sea-captain
would be certain to be spoilt.

"Josiah, I had also to remember, was a man evidently of weak character.
He would need management. Now, there was something about Hannah's eye
that eminently suggested management.

"At the end of two days my mind was made up. I wrote 'Hannah' on a slip
of paper, and posted it.

"A fortnight afterwards I received a letter from Josiah. He thanked me
for my advice, but added, incidentally, that he wished I could have made