Jane Austen tells us that "Mrs. Allen was one of that numerous class of females, whose society can raise no other emotion than surprise at there being any men in the world who could like them well enough to marry them." Yet Mr. Allen is presented as not only a sensible, intelligent man but one with a more than ample income. So what was his motivation in choosing Mrs. Allen as a bride? She doesn't even have Mrs. Bennet's beauty when young which provides a reason for Mr. Bennet marrying such a foolish woman. I am wondering if Mrs. Allen might have come to the marriage with a sizable dowry, in fact is it possible she is the source of Mr. Allen's prosperity? The author does list a few trifling characteristics which might account for her becoming Mrs. Allen, but nothing that hundreds of other eligible ladies doubtless possessed. However Mr. Allen seems content with his lot in life -- and his wife doesn't seem to give him any trouble.