Allow me to think that I have not yet had an answer to my proposal; give me to this day month, to Christmas; till any time that you like to name, so that I may think that it is not yet settled, and may tell Uncle Christopher that such is the case." "Bernard, it would be useless." "It would at any rate show him that you are willing to think of it." "But I am not willing to think of it;--not in that way.

I do know my own mind thoroughly, and I should be very wrong if I were to deceive you." "And you wish me to give that as your only answer to my uncle ?" "To tell the truth, Bernard, I do not much care what you may say to my uncle in this matter.

He can have no right to interfere in the disposal of my hand, and therefore I need not regard his wishes on the subject.

I will explain to you in one word what my feelings are about it.

I would accept no man in opposition to mamma's wishes; but not even for her could I accept any man in opposition to my own.