I spoke earlier of wondering if there might be any possible redemption for Isabella. I kept any eye out for even the smallest defense but obviously, as the story proceeded it became impossible to make any case for her. The best I can do is say that she has some positive traits which unfortunately she uses in an unbecoming and selfish manner. She is smart (though she outsmarts herself), she is lively, can be witty and is attractive, which apparently was a great asset for a woman in need of a husband especially, I think, if she was lacking in funds. However, her negative traits are so great as to make her more notable ones receed into insignifcance. No doubt about it, she earned her just desserts.

But I have thought about what could have made her the way she
is---her brother John, too, for that matter. The younger sisters are probably on their way to turning out no better. There has to have been something lacking in their upbringing. Too bad, for I believe Isabella could have been so much more. There is something rather sad about it all, the saddest thing being that this family doesn't even have a clue that there is anything wrong with them. Geez, Mrs. Allen certainly need not envy Mrs. Thrope when she brags about her kids. And under such circumstances, why should the young Thorpe clan ever bother to think there is anything wrong with their behavior with a mother who thinks they are so great?