Not one of the better CMY novels I have read. A large cast of characters: some attractive and charming but afflicted with self-destructive flaws, others dull, even sullen, but solidly trustworthy. The moral program is evident, but the reader is left finding none of them very likable. The spinster of the title owes her single state to great misjudgment of character which continues to afflict her as she spoils her weak, manipulative ward while emotionally neglecting his needy sister. I hope this was in no way a self-portrait on Miss Yonge's part. I did enjoy the small Canadian element in the plot for entirely chauvinist reasons.