She had always been one whom they could have in their families "without making any difference," and she never tattled.
So Miss Butterworth found herself quite a heroine, but whenever Jim showed himself, the women all looked out of the windows, and made their own comments.

After all, they couldn't see exactly what Miss Butterworth could find to like in him.

They saw a tall, strong, rough, good-natured-looking man, whom all the men and all the boys greeted with genuine heartiness.

They saw him pushing about his business with the air of one who owned the whole village; but his clothes were rough, and his boots over his trowsers.

They hoped it would all turn out well.
There was "no doubt that he needed a woman badly enough." Not only Miss Butterworth but Jim became the subject of congratulation.
The first time he entered Sevenoaks after the announcement of his engagement, he was hailed from every shop, and button-holed at every corner.