The whole thing was growing more and more sordid, for now--save for her part--the one spirit ruled it entirely.
The work had therefore more or less grown a drudgery to her.

The spirit of gain was in full blast, and whoever did not trim his sails to it was in danger of finding it rough weather.

No longer could she, without offense, and consequent disturbance of spirit, arrange her attendance as she pleased, or have the same time for reading as before.

She could encounter black looks, but she could not well live with them; and how was she to continue the servant of such ends as were now exclusively acknowledged in the place?
The proposal of Mrs.Redmain stood in advantageous contrast to this treadmill-work.

In her house she would be called only to the ministrations of love, and would have plenty of time for books and music, with a thousand means of growth unapproachable in Testbridge.