Later in the evening , when his mind had been set at rest about the bootjack , Laurie said suddenly to his wife , `` Mrs. Laurence . '' `` My Lord ! '' `` That man intends to marry our Jo ! '' `` I hope so , do n't you , dear ? '' `` Well , my love , I consider him a trump , in the fullest sense of that expressive word , but I do wish he was a little younger and a good deal richer . '' `` Now , Laurie , do n't be too fastidious and worldly-minded . If they love one another it does n't matter a particle how old they are nor how poor . Women never should marry for money ... '' Amy caught herself up short as the words escaped her , and looked at her husband , who replied , with malicious gravity ... `` Certainly not , though you do hear charming girls say that they intend to do it sometimes . If my memory serves me , you once thought it your duty to make a rich match . That accounts , perhaps , for your marrying a good-for-nothing like me . '' `` Oh , my dearest boy , do n't , do n't say that ! I forgot you were rich when I said ` Yes ' . I 'd have married you if you had n't a penny , and I sometimes wish you were poor that I might show how much I love you . '' And Amy , who was very dignified in public and very fond in private , gave convincing proofs of the truth of her words . `` You do n't really think I am such a mercenary creature as I tried to be once , do you ? It would break my heart if you did n't believe that I 'd gladly pull in the same boat with you , even if you had to get your living by rowing on the lake . '' `` Am I an idiot and a brute ? How could I think so , when you refused a richer man for me , and wo n't let me give you half I want to now , when I have the right ? Girls do it every day , poor things , and are taught to think it is their only salvation , but you had better lessons , and though I trembled for you at one time , I was not disappointed , for the daughter was true to the mother 's teaching . I told Mamma so yesterday , and she looked as glad and grateful as if I 'd given her a check for a million , to be spent in charity .
You are not listening to my moral remarks , Mrs. Laurence , '' and Laurie paused , for XXXXX 's eyes had an absent look , though fixed upon his face .
Amy Laurence Laurie Mamma bootjack day evening good-for-nothing proofs right