I had hoped to be Oscar's wife before the time came round again----" she waited a moment to steady her voice.

"That is all over now.

We must be parted.

If I can't leave you here to console him and to take care of him, come what may of it--I shall stay at Dimchurch." Her staying at Dimchurch, while she was still unmarried, meant (under the terms of her uncle's will) sacrificing her fortune.

If Reverend Finch had heard her, he would not even have been able to say "Inscrutable Providence"-- he would have lost his senses on the spot.
"Don't be afraid," I said; "I shall be back, Lucilla, before you go.
Besides, Oscar may get better.