He was not quite at his ease himself, and was a little afraid of the task he had undertaken.
'Adrian tells me that he asked you to take him as your lover, and that you refused.' 'Yes, Uncle Michel.' 'But why, my dear?
How are you to do better?
Perhaps I, or your aunt, should have spoken to you first, and told you that we thought well of the match.' 'It wasn't that, uncle.

I knew you thought well of it; or, at least, I believed that you did.' 'And what is your objection, Marie ?' 'I don't object to M.Urmand, uncle;--at least, not particularly.' 'But he says you do object.

You would not accept him when he offered himself.' 'No; I did not accept him.' 'But you will, my dear,--if he comes again ?' 'No, uncle.' 'And why not?
Is he not a good young man ?' 'O, yes,--that is, I daresay.' 'And he has a good business.

I do not know what more you could expect.' 'I expect nothing, uncle,--except not to go away from you.' 'Ah,--but you must go away from me.

I should be very wrong, and so would your aunt, to let you remain here till you lose your good looks, and become an old woman on our hands.