"My notion is, that when I take a wife I am placing my character and my happiness--the most precious things I have to trust--in one woman's care.

The woman I mean to marry had a small charge confided to her care, and showed herself worthy of it at the risk of her life.

That is proof enough for me that she is worthy of the greatest charge I can put into her hands.

Rank and riches are fine things, but the certainty of getting a good wife is something better still.

I'm of age, I know my own mind, and I mean to marry the stone-mason's daughter." And he did marry me.