(46) From this motive I began to think seriously of matrimony, and choose my wife, as she did her wedding gown, not for a fine glossy surface, but such qualities as would wear well. (47) To do her justice, she was a good-natured, notable woman; and as for breeding there were few countries ladies who could show more. She could read any English book without much spelling; but for pickling, preserving, and cookery, none could excel her. (48) She prided herself also upon being an excellent contriver in housekeeping, though I never could find that we grew richer with all her contrivances.
(49) However, we loved each other tenderly, and our fondness increased, as we grew old. There was, in fact, nothing that could make us angry with the world or each other. We had an elegant house, situated in a fine country, and a good neighborhood. The year was spent in moral and rural amusements, in visiting our rich neighborhood, and relieving such as were poor. (50) We had no revolutions to fear, nor fatigues to undergo ;our adventures were by the fireside, and all our migrations from the blue bed to the brown. |
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