Critical Reading For Exams / Short Reading Comprehension 10

If a man were to accost the first homely featured or plain-dressed young woman of his acquaintance, and tell her  bluntly, that she was not handsome or rich enough for him, and he could not marry her, he would deserve to be  kicked for his ill manners; yet not less is implied in the fact, that having access and opportunity of putting the ques-  tion to her, he has never yet thought fit to do it. The young woman understands this as clearly as if it were put into  words; but no reasonable young woman would think of making this the ground of a quarrel. Just as little right have  a married couple to tell me by speeches, and looks that are scarce less plain than speeches, that I am not the happy  man—the lady’s choice. It is enough that I know I am not: I do not want this perpetual reminding.  (5)