Page:Robert Carter- his life and work. 1807-1889 (IA robertcarterhis00coch).pdf/60

44 at his side was not his equal in force of character; but he never thought so, nor did those who knew them best. She had a mind of her own, though it was very gently expressed. Though ever ready to yield in trifles, where principle was involved she was firm as a rock. To her was fulfilled the promise, “The meek will He guide in judgment.” Mr. Carter was ever ready to acknowledge his indebtedness to her wisdom. All their decisions were made together, and with the most entire unanimity.

They were married March 18, 1834. We may learn how much things have changed since those days from the fact that the quiet little wedding had to take place at six o'clock in the morning, in order that the bridal pair might reach Philadelphia on their wedding trip before night.

We may imagine that the future prospects of the young couple had caused the bride’s parents no little anxiety. Teaching is never a very lucrative business; and though the school had prospered wonderfully, Mr. Carter’s strong sense of duty to his father’s family, and his great liberality to them, had prevented his saving much. He was rich only in faith, hope, energy, and ability. Mr. Thomson was a man of considerable means, but he had ten children, and could not be expected to do much for his daughter in his lifetime. Mrs. Thomson was a woman of excellent judgment and great fertility of resource, and she suggested to her daughter, that, while Mr. Carter could never expect to make a fortune at teaching, he was a man of good business capacity, and that he knew and loved books so well that he ought to make a good bookseller. This was a very short time before the marriage. The idea at once took root, and the very next morning before school Mr.