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    "She is a lucky girl," replied another voice, which Margaret knew to be that of Mrs. Gibson, a lady who was taking a double interest in the conversation, from the fact of one of her daughters having been married within the last few weeks. "Helen had set her heart upon an Indian shawl, but really when I found what an extravagant price was asked, I was obliged to refuse her. She will be quite envious when she hears of Edith having Indian shawls. What kind are they? Delhi? with the lovely little borders?"
    ... "Edith! Edith!" cried she.... Margaret stepped forward.
     "Edith is asleep, Aunt Shaw. Is there anything I can do?"
     All the ladies said, "Poor child!" on receiving this distressing intelligence about Edith; and a minute lap-dog in Mrs. Shaw's arms began to bark, as if excited by the burst of pity.....

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 Elizabeth Gaskell's North and South, Volume 1 ch. 1 (pg) 9

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     When I think of a heroine, I picture that in this exact situation she would not be socializing with the frivolous women talking of expensive scarves or holding a fancy purse puppy, but she would be wishing to be of some assistance to anyone. She would wants something productive and practical to do. Seeing Margaret, when she was in her old home in the beginning of the book, as board and odd make me wonder why she hated the North so much at first. The South was never very good to her, other than the bits of silence, where she could escape to a grassy spot and read or day dream. I hate the women, living with her in the South, who are so spoiled, like Edith. What has she accomplished to be tired? Is flirting and being adored really that exhausting? Why does everyone like her? Because she's pretty, and everyone loves a wedding. Poor Margaret. Even in the North, women are frivolous, like Fanny. The heroine must be the unique one mustn't she?