Modesty was an important quality for women seeking a husband. In the nineteenth century it was much more difficult to find a husband than it is today with the proliferation of dating sites, as this article shows.
“MODESTY.- A lady who advertised for a husband in a provincial newspaper, has withdrawn her advertisement, stating, that she was not aware of the indelicacy of the proceeding at the time ; but, however, she modestly says, ‘If any gentleman should be inclined to advertise for a wife, she will answer the advertisement without delay.'”
Stamford Mercury, 10th October 1819.