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 of it . '' `` Emmeline Drew has no gumption , I must allow , '' said Susan . `` She is the kind of woman , Mrs. Dr. dear , who would put a hot-water bottle in your bed on a dog-night and then have her feelings hurt because you were not grateful . And her mother was a very poor housekeeper . Did you ever hear the story of her dishcloth ? She lost her dishcloth one day . But the next day she found it . Oh , yes , Mrs. Dr. dear , she found it , in the goose at the dinner-table , mixed up with the stuffing . Do you think a woman like that would do for a minister 's mother-in-law ? I do not .
But no doubt I would be better employed XXXXX mending little Jem 's trousers than in talking gossip about my neighbours .
as at because for if in like of on to