The comfortable estate of widowhood is the only hope that keeps up a wife's spirits.

Summary

This quote suggests that widowhood, although it may seem unfortunate, provides some level of comfort and hope for women. It implies that the responsibilities and pressures of being a wife may weigh heavily on a woman's spirits, but being widowed allows her to escape these burdens. It implies that the freedom and independence that come with widowhood can be refreshing and uplifting, serving as a source of solace amidst the challenges of marriage.