I have led a rough life, but I have seen somewhat of women for all that, and I tell you that there is not a sweeter or a prettier girl in South Africa than Bessie Croft, and in wanting to marry her you have shown your sense.

God bless you both, my dears; and now, Bessie, come and give your old uncle a kiss.

I hope that you won't let John quite drive me out of your head, that's all, for you see, my dear, having no children of my own, I have managed to grow very fond of you in the last twelve years or so." Bessie kissed the old man tenderly.
"No, uncle," she answered, "neither John nor anybody nor anything in the world can do that," and it was evident from her manner that she meant what she said.

Bessie had a large heart, and was not at all the person to let her lover drive her uncle and benefactor out of his share thereof..