The friends of the family were few, and all people of the same religious sect, of the same commercial sphere.

Miriam had never spoken with a young man whom she did not in her heart despise; the one or two who might possibly have been tempted to think of her as a desirable wife were repelled by her austerity.

She had now a character to support; she had made herself known for severe devotion to the things of the spirit.

In her poor little world she could not submit to be less than pre-eminent, and only by the way of religion was pre-eminence to be assured.

When the wealthy and pious manufacturer sought her hand, she doubted for a while, but was in the end induced to consent by the reflection that not only would she be freer, but at the same time enjoy a greatly extended credit and influence.