'Tell me,' he continued, with almost angry energy, 'is it because of George that you refuse yourself to this young man ?' Marie paused again for a moment, and then she replied, 'No, it is not.' 'It is not ?' 'No, uncle.' 'Then why will you not marry Adrian Urmand ?' 'Because I do not care for him.

Why won't you let me remain with you, uncle ?' She was very close to him now, and leaning against him; and her throat was half choked with sobs, and her eyes were full of tears.
Michel Voss was a soft-hearted man, and inclined to be very soft of heart where Marie Bromar was concerned.

On the other hand he was thoroughly convinced that it would be for his niece's benefit that she should marry this young trader; and he thought also that it was his duty as her uncle and guardian to be round with her, and make her understand, that as her friends wished it, and as the young trader himself wished it, it was her duty to do as she was desired.
Another uncle and guardian in his place would hardly have consulted the girl at all.

Between his desire to have his own way and reduce her to obedience, and the temptation to put his arm round her waist and kiss away her tears, he was uneasy and vacillating.

She gently put her hand within his arm, and pressed it very close.
'Won't you let me remain with you, uncle?
I love you and Aunt Josey' (Madame Voss was named Josephine, and was generally called Aunt Josey) 'and the children.