I turned my best side out, of course, and we got along marvellously well together.

When my ambitious intentions were made known to her, she took it more sensibly than I had ventured to hope.

Her only remark on the subject, in my hearing, was-- 'And so, Mr.Markham, you are going to rob me of my niece, I understand.
Well! I hope God will prosper your union, and make my dear girl happy at last.

Could she have been contented to remain single, I own I should have been better satisfied; but if she must marry again, I know of no one, now living and of a suitable age, to whom I would more willingly resign her than yourself, or who would be more likely to appreciate her worth and make, her truly happy, as far as I can tell.' Of course I was delighted with the compliment, and hoped to show her that she was not mistaken in her favourable judgment.
'I have, however, one request to offer,' continued she.

'It seems I am still to look on Staningley as my home: I wish you to make it yours likewise, for Helen is attached to the place and to me--as I am to her.
There are painful associations connected with Grassdale, which she cannot easily overcome; and I shall not molest you with my company or interference here: I am a very quiet person, and shall keep my own apartments, and attend to my own concerns, and only see you now and then.' Of course I most readily consented to this; and we lived in the greatest harmony with our dear aunt until the day of her death, which melancholy event took place a few years after--melancholy, not to herself (for it came quietly upon her, and she was glad to reach her journey's end), but only to the few loving friends and grateful dependents she left behind.
To return, however, to my own affairs: I was married in summer, on a glorious August morning.