Poor Madge was well aware that, with the best intentions, no one could more certainly blast her hopes than her sister, whose efforts would be unaccompanied by the nicest tact.

Moreover, any such attempts might involve the disclosure of her secret.
"Well, you have changed in every respect," said Mary, looking at her wonderingly.
"For the better, I hope.

My feeling in this respect, however, seems to me perfectly natural.

I don't see how a self-respecting girl could endure anything except a straightforward, downright suit, with plenty of time to make up her own mind.

I can do without the man who does not think me worthy of this, and could probably do without him any way.
Because a man wants to marry a girl is only one reason for assent, and there may be a dozen reasons to the contrary." "Why, Madge, how you talk! When you left us it seemed as if any one might pick you up and marry you and you would not have spirit enough to say yes or no.