I dress my young friends myself, and make each of them a small allowance for pocket-money.

They have but few opportunities for matrimony, as Connington is far removed from any town.

The clergyman is a deaf old widower; my agent is married; and as for the neighbouring farmers, they are, of course, below the notice of the young gentlewomen under my protection.

Still, if any young woman wishes to marry, and has conducted herself to my satisfaction, I give her a wedding dinner, her clothes, and her house-linen.

And such as remain with me to my death, will find a small competency provided for them in my will.