“Not altogether. Of course they make many things more difficult. But a good wife⁠—a good unworldly woman⁠—may really help a man, and keep him more independent. There’s a parishioner of mine⁠—a fine fellow, but who would hardly have pulled through as he has done without his wife. Do you know the Garths? I think they were not Peacock’s patients.”

“No; but there is a Miss Garth at old Featherstone’s, at Lowick.”

“Their daughter: an excellent girl.”

“She is very quiet⁠—I have hardly noticed her.”

“She has taken notice of you, though, depend upon it.”

“I don’t understand,” said Lydgate; he could hardly say “Of course.”

“Oh, she gauges everybody. I prepared her for confirmation⁠—she is a favorite of mine.”