lightly of it; yet in a great many cases I own it appears to me a
sad waste of time and energy. I have noted in my reading, both
secular and religious, that though the married state is called holy,
the term 'blessed' is reserved for a single life. Women of clinging
nature, or those with few interests, doubtless do well to marry, a
suitable partner being provided; but for a person with the full use
of her faculties, and with rational occupation more than sufficient
to fill her time, I admit I am unable to conceive the attraction of
it. I speak for myself; my sister Vesta has other views. My sister
Vesta had a disappointment in early life. From my point of view, she
would have been far better off without the unfortunate attachment
which--though to a very worthy person--terminated so sadly. But my
sister is not of my opinion. She has a clinging, affectionate nature,
my sister Vesta."

"She's an angel!" said Doctor Strong.

"You are right, my friend, you are very right!" said Miss Phoebe;
and her cap strings trembled with affection. "There is an angelic
quality, surely, in my sister Vesta. She might have been happy--I
trust she would have been--if Providence had been pleased to call
her to the married estate. But for me, Doctor Strong, no! I have
always said, and I shall always say, while I have the use of my
faculties--no! I thank you for the honour you do me; I appreciate
the sentiments to which you have given utterance; but I can never be
yours."

To any third party who had seen Miss Phoebe, drawn up erect in her
chair, uttering these words with chiselled majesty, and Doctor Strong,
bellows in hand, his bright eyes fixed upon her, receiving them with