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 that a woman who liked books better than beaux was an unnatural creature . '' I did n't believe Jack had ever said anything so foolish . Sara imagined things . But I resented the aspersion of blue-stockingness cast on Betty . `` When the time comes for Betty to be interested in beaux , '' I said severely , `` she will probably give them all due attention . Just at present her head is a great deal better filled with books than with silly premature fancies and sentimentalities . I 'm a critical old fellow -- but I 'm satisfied with Betty , Sara -- perfectly satisfied . '' Sara sighed . `` Oh , I dare say she is all right , Stephen . And I 'm really grateful to you . I 'm sure I could have done nothing at all with her . It 's not your fault , of course , -- but I ca n't help wishing she were a little more like other girls . '' I galloped away from Glenby in a rage . What a blessing Sara had not married me in my absurd youth ! She would have driven me wild with her sighs and her obtuseness and her everlasting pink-and-whiteness . But there -- there -- there -- gently ! She was a sweet , good-hearted little woman ; she had made Jack happy ; and she had contrived , heaven only knew how , to bring a rare creature like Betty into the world . For that , much might be forgiven her .
By the time I reached The Maples and had flung myself down in an old , kinky , comfortable chair XXXXX my library I had forgiven her and was even paying her the compliment of thinking seriously over what she had said .
For at in like of on than that to with