"What kind of talk is that?" Mrs. Shields said, looking at her. "Matters of the heart should be left to run their course. I'm sure your Anne will find a better man someday."
'That's what she said, but it wasn't what Mrs. Shields was truly thinking.'
'It was just that some things were better left unsaid in front of her old friend.'
'Anne Sutton didn't even think her son was good enough. She was probably hoping to marry that Charles Prescott fellow!'
'But...'
'That Charles Prescott wouldn't be interested in her either!'
'Of course, even if a woman like her wanted to be with Justin Shields now, I wouldn't allow it.'
'My son is single and has never been married, while Anne Sutton is a widow. There's no comparison. Anne Sutton is simply not good enough for him.'
'Before, I only considered it out of respect for her mother...'
'Now that she's been so disrespectful, I can only hope she manages to land a rich husband!'
