Gilbert presumes that Mary Millward, a plain and stout girl, is only loved by the least discerning members of the village. This is in direct contrast to her charming, prettier sister (and is also an assumption later proved wrong). His description of the reverend is likewise telling. The Reverend Millward is in a position of unexamined authority in the village. Perhaps, though, given his unreasonably strict standards, that authority should be questioned.