I could not go away from the children.

And I like the house.

I am sure I am of use in the house.' 'Of course you are of use in the house.

It is not that.' 'Why, then, should you want to send me away ?' 'What nonsense you talk, Marie! Don't you know that a young woman like you ought to be married some day--that is if she can get a fitting man to take her?
What would the neighbours say of me if we kept you at home to drudge for us, instead of settling you out in the world properly?
You forget, Marie, that I have a duty to perform, and you should not make it so difficult.' 'But if I don't want to be settled ?' said Marie.

'Who cares for the neighbours?
If you and I understand each other, is not that enough ?' 'I care for the neighbours,' said Michel Voss with energy.
'And must I marry a man I don't care a bit for, because of the neighbours, Uncle Michel ?' asked Marie, with something approaching to indignation in her voice.
Michel Voss perceived that it was of no use for him to carry on the argument.