One Sunday she came to him in her bonnet, and interrupted his studies, to say he might as well lay down the pen, and talk.

Nobody would publish anything he wrote.
Christopher frowned, but contained himself, and laid down the pen.
"I might as well not be married at all as be a doctor's wife.

You are never seen out with me, not even to church.

Do behave like a Christian, and come to church with me now." Dr.Staines shook his head.
"Why, I wouldn't miss church for all the world.

Any excitement is better than always moping.