Anne Sophia was a very capable and intelligent girl, and as Mr.Gordon thought, would do credit to any society in which she might be called to move.

He became more and more interested in her, and it happened that they formed an engagement to be married, just about the time that Albert made his proposal to Mary Erskine.
Mr.Gordon was a very promising business man, and had an offer from the merchant with whom he was employed as a clerk, to enter into partnership with him, just before the time of his engagement.
He declined this offer, determining rather to go into business independently.

He had laid up about as much money as Albert had, and by means of this, and the excellent letters of recommendation which he obtained from the village people, he obtained a large stock of goods, on credit, in the city.

When buying his goods he also bought a small quantity of handsome furniture, on the same terms.

He hired a store.
He also hired a small white house, with green trees around it, and a pretty garden behind.