"Because I do not choose to be bullied out of what is my own, even though I care nothing about it. There might have been a time when the canopy was unsuited to the house of God, and that was when those who saw it might fancy it canopied the head of a fellow-creature who had higher claims than themselves to divine favour; but, in times like these, when men estimate merit by beginning at the other end of the social scale, there is little danger of any one's falling into the mistake. The canopy shall stand, little as I care about it: now, I would actually prefer it should come down, as I can fully see the impropriety of making any distinctions in the temple; but it shall stand until concessions cease to be dangerous. It is a right of property, and as such I will maintain it. If others dislike it, let them put canopies over their pews, too. The best test, in such a matter, is to see who could bear it. A pretty figure Seneca Newcome would cut, for instance, seated in a canopied pew! Even his own set would laugh at him; which, I fancy, is more than they yet do at me." Martha was disappointed; but she changed the subject. We next talked of our own little private affairs, as they were connected with smaller matters. "For whom is that beautiful chain intended, Hugh?" asked Patt, laughingly. "I can now believe the pedlar when he says it is reserved for your future wife. But who is that wife to be? Will her name be Henrietta or Ann?" "Why not ask, also, if it will be Mary?--why exclude one of your companions, while you include the other two?" Patt started--seemed surprised; her cheeks flushed, and then I saw that pleasure was the feeling predominant. "Am I too late to secure that jewel, as a pendant to my chain?" I asked, half in jest, half seriously. "Too soon, at least, to attract it by the richness and beauty of the bauble. A more natural and disinterested girl than Mary Warren does not exist in the country." "Be frank with me, Martha, and say at once; has she a favoured suitor?" "Why, this seems really serious!" exclaimed my sister, laughing. "But, to put you out of your pain, I will answer, I know of but one. One she has certainly, or female sagacity is at fault." "But is he one that is favoured? You can never know how much depends on your answer." "Of that you can judge for yourself. It is 'Squire Seneky Newcome, as he is called hereabouts--the brother of the charming Opportunity, who still reserves herself for you." "And they are as rank anti-renters as any male and female in the country." "They are rank Newcomites; and that means that each is for himself. Would you believe it, but Opportunity really gives herself airs with Mary Warren!" "And how does Mary Warren take such an assumption?"