But what had she not taught me ? If there were a debt between us , it was on my side . Sara was fairly well satisfied . It was not my fault that Betty was not better looking , she said . I had certainly done everything for her mind and character that could be done . Sara 's manner implied that these unimportant details did not count for much , balanced against the lack of a pink-and-white skin and dimpled elbows ; but she was generous enough not to blame me . `` When Betty is twenty-five , '' I said patiently -- I had grown used to speaking patiently to Sara -- `` she will be a magnificent woman -- far handsomer than you ever were , Sara , in your pinkest and whitest prime . Where are your eyes , my dear lady , that you ca n't see the promise of loveliness in Betty ? '' `` Betty is seventeen , and she is as lanky and brown as ever she was , '' sighed Sara . `` When I was seventeen I was the belle of the county and had had five proposals . I do n't believe the thought of a lover has ever entered Betty 's head . '' `` I hope not , '' I said shortly . Somehow , I did not like the suggestion . `` Betty is a child yet . For pity 's sake , Sara , do n't go putting nonsensical ideas into her head . '' `` I 'm afraid I ca n't , '' mourned Sara , as if it were something to be regretted . `` You have filled it too full of books and things like that . I 've every confidence in your judgment , Stephen -- and really you 've done wonders with Betty . But do n't you think you 've made her rather too clever ? Men do n't like women who are too clever .
Her poor father , now -- he always said XXXXX a woman who liked books better than beaux was an unnatural creature . ''
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