There are not many young married women would put up with such a life." "Nelly," Marian exclaimed reproachfully, "you know that I have had nothing to put up with--that I have been quite happy here." "Ah, it's all very well to say that, Mrs.Holbrook; but I know better.

I know how many lonely days you've spent, so downhearted that you could scarcely speak or look up from your book, and that only an excuse for fretting .-- If you're a friend of Mr.Holbrook's, you might tell him as much, sir; that he's killing his pretty young wife by inches, by leaving her so often alone in this dreary place.

Goodness knows, it isn't that I want to get rid of her.

I like her so much that I sha'n't know what to do with myself when she's gone.

But I love her too well not to speak the truth when I see a chance of its getting to the right ears." "I am no friend of Mr.Holbrook's," Gilbert answered; "but I think you are a good generous-hearted girl." "You are a very foolish girl," Marian exclaimed; "and I am extremely angry with you for talking such utter nonsense about me.