But it 's over , and not likely anything of the kind will ever happen again . I think the world is getting more sensible . As for the Merediths , I 've said many a time and I say it again , if Mr. Meredith had a wife all would be well . '' `` He called twice at the Kirks ' last week , so I am told , '' said Susan . `` Well , '' said Miss Cornelia thoughtfully , `` as a rule , I do n't approve of a minister marrying in his congregation . It generally spoils him . But in this case it would do no harm , for every one likes Elizabeth Kirk and nobody else is hankering for the job of stepmothering those youngsters . Even the Hill girls balk at that . They have n't been found laying traps for Mr. Meredith . Elizabeth would make him a good wife if he only thought so . But the trouble is , she really is homely and , Anne dearie , Mr. Meredith , abstracted as he is , has an eye for a good-looking woman , man-like . He is n't SO other-worldly when it comes to that , believe ME . '' `` Elizabeth Kirk is a very nice person , but they do say that people have nearly frozen to death in her mother 's spare-room bed before now , Mrs. Dr. dear , '' said Susan darkly . `` If I felt I had any right to express an opinion concerning such a solemn matter as a minister 's marriage I would say that I think Elizabeth 's cousin Sarah , over-harbour , would make Mr. Meredith a better wife . '' `` Why , Sarah Kirk is a Methodist , '' said Miss Cornelia , much as if Susan had suggested a Hottentot as a manse bride . `` She would likely turn Presbyterian if she married Mr. Meredith , '' retorted Susan . Miss Cornelia shook her head . Evidently with her it was , once a Methodist , always a Methodist . `` Sarah Kirk is entirely out of the question , '' she said positively . `` And so is Emmeline Drew -- though the Drews are all trying to make the match .
They are literally throwing poor Emmeline at his head , and he has n't the least idea XXXXX it . ''
as at for if in of so that though with