A little weeping, a little wheedling, a little self-degradation, a little careful use of our advantages, and then some man will say .Come, be my wife! With good looks and youth marriage is easy to attain. There are men enough; but a woman who has sold herself, even for a ring and a new name, need hold her skirt aside for no creature in the street. They both earn their bread in one way. Marriage for love is the most beautiful external symbol of the union of souls; marriage without it is the least clean traffic that defiles the world.

Summary

This quote highlights the idea that some women resort to manipulation, appealing to their appearance or playing into societal expectations, in order to secure marriage. It suggests that there is an abundance of men willing to marry based on superficial qualities, but a woman who compromises herself solely for financial security loses her self-respect. The quote also contrasts marriages based on love and genuine connection as beautiful and soulful, while marriages devoid of such love are depicted as a transaction that degrades both parties involved.

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