And when he does come there they sit, talking about their books and their authors; you'd think the world had nothing else in it! I know, for I've heard them, hard at it, there in the library.

Books and authors won't keep their house or look after their family for them; I can tell them that, if it does come to anything, which I hope it won't." "Finlay's fine in the pulpit," said John Murchison cautiously.
"Oh, the man's well enough; it's him I'm sorry for.

I don't call Advena fitted to be a wife, and last of all a minister's.

Abby was a treasure for any man to get, and Stella won't turn out at all badly; she's taking hold very well for her age.

But Advena simply hasn't got it in her, and that's all there is to say about it." Mrs Murchison pulled her needles out right side out with finality.