The parents evidently wished them married; they wished it likewise, which was only natural, especially as at home they were not happy; and it must be confessed that neither did they themselves do much to make it pleasant there.

They were peevish and discontented--no one knew exactly what to do or what she wanted; they groped about as if in a mist.
It is customary to hear unmarried ladies say that they are satisfied with their condition, and do not desire to change it.

In this pretension there lies more truth than people in general believe, particularly when the lively feelings of early youth are past.

I have often found it so; and above all, wherever the woman, either in one way or another, has created for herself an independent sphere of action, or has found in a comfortable home that freedom, and has enjoyed that pure happiness of life, which true friendship, true education, can give.
A young lady of my acquaintance made what was with justice called a great match, although love played but a subordinate part.

As some one felicitated her on her happiness, she replied, quite calmly, "Oh, yes! it is very excellent to possess something of one's own." People smiled at her for her thus lightly esteeming what was universally regarded so great a good fortune; but her simple words, nevertheless, contain a great and universal truth.