They even made a sort of heroine of her, especially at noon, when her father was in New York and she, consequently, was alone.
They pitied her, in a covert sort of fashion, because her father was going to get married again, especially Mrs.White and Lillian.
Lillian was a very pretty girl, with a pert carriage of blond head, and a slangy readiness of speech.
"Well, she's a dandy, as far as looks and dress go, and maybe she'll make you a real good mother-in-law," she said to Maria.

Maria knew that Lillian should have said step-mother, but she did not venture to correct her.
"Looks ain't everything," said Mrs.White, with a glance at her daughter.

She had thought of the possibility of Harry Edgham taking a fancy to her Lillian.
Mr.Jonas White, who with his son Henry kept a market, thereby insuring such choice cuts of meat, spoke then.

He did not, as a rule, say much at table, especially when Maria and her father, who in his estimation occupied a superior place in society, were present.
"Guess Mr.Edgham knows what he's about," said he.

"He's going to marry a good-looking woman, and one that's capable of supportin' herself, if he's laid up or anything happens to him.