My mother and herself both think that the marriage should not take place till next year.

He exhibits landscapes and canal scenery every year, she says; so I suppose he is popular, and that his income is sufficient to keep them in comfort.

If not, I do not see why my father could not settle something more on them than he had intended, and diminish by a little what he had proposed for me, whilst it was imagined that I should be the first to stand in need of such.
'Of engaging manner, attractive appearance, and virtuous character,' is the reply I receive from her in answer to my request for a personal description.

That is vague enough, and I would rather have had one definite fact of complexion, voice, deed, or opinion.

But of course she has no eye now for material qualities; she cannot see him as he is.