A marriage is no amusement but a solemn act, and generally a sad one.
I think people really marry far too much; it is such a lottery after all, and for a poor woman a very doubtful happiness.
When I think of a merry, happy, and free young girl - and look at the ailing aching state a young wife is generally doomed to - which you can't deny is the penalty of marriage.
Being married gives one one's position like nothing else can.