be sure there is not a person in this town that won't think you are trying to get him for a husband.
Mary was highly gratified with the thought of returning to the place where she had passed a large and happy portion of her life, and she did not hesitate to say, that "she should not stand so much in her own light as to refuse so excellent a place; that from all she had heard said of Mr. Lloyd, he was a gentleman far above her condition in life; and therefore she thought no person would be silly enough to suppose she took the place from so foolish a design as Mrs. Wilson suggested; and she should take care that her conduct should give no occasion for reproach."
"Well," said Mrs. Wilson, chagrined that her counsel was not compulsory, "it does amaze me to see how some people strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel."
Mary did not condescend to notice this remark, but proceeded quietly to remove the articles Mr. Lloyd had sent, which she succeeded in doing, without any further remark from Mrs. Wilson, who prudently restrained the exercise of her authority while there was one present independent enough to oppose its current.
"Oh, Mary," said Jane, when they were alone, how glad I am you are going to live with such a good man; how happy you must be!" "And I too, Mary;" and she hastily brushed away a tear, "I am; at least I should be very happy when I have such a kind friend as you are so near to me."
