I said: Our girls, they're mayhap not equals of the Hollands, the Nashaws, the Perrets, and the others about here--no; they're not equals, because the others are not equals o' them, maybe." The yeoman's pride struggled out in this obscure way to vindicate his unneighbourliness and the seclusion of his daughters from the society of girls of their age and condition; nor was it hard for Rhoda to assure him, as she earnestly did, that he had acted rightly.
Rhoda, assisted by Mrs.Sumfit, was late in the night looking up what poor decorations she possessed wherewith to enter London, and be worthy of her sister's embrace, so that she might not shock the lady Dahlia had become.
"Depend you on it, my dear," said Mrs.Sumfit, "my Dahly's grown above him.

That's nettles to your uncle, my dear.

He can't abide it.

Don't you see he can't?
Some men's like that.

Others 'd see you dressed like a princess, and not be satisfied.