She had won her husband by making desperate love to him, to say nothing of a dower that enabled him to extend his business, new-front, as well as new-stock his shop, and rise into the very first rank of tradesmen in his native town.

He still believed that she was excessively fond of him--a common delusion of husbands, especially when henpecked.

Mrs.Morton was, perhaps, fond of him in her own way; for though her heart was not warm, there may be a great deal of fondness with very little feeling.

The worthy lady was now clothed in her best.

She had a proper pride in showing the rewards that belong to female virtue.