The simple and austere soul of things seems to shine out-- "And yet what I ask you is neither simple, nor austere! Take care of Helena for two years.

Give her fun, and society,--a good time, and every chance to marry.

Then, after two years, if she hasn't married--if she hasn't fallen in love---she must choose her course.
"You may well feel you are too young--indeed I wish, for this business, you were older!--but you will find some nice woman to be hostess and chaperon; the experiment will interest and amuse you, and the time will soon go.

You know I _could_ not ask you--unless some things were--as they are.

But that being so, I feel as if I were putting into your hands the chance of a good deed, a kind deed,--blessing, possibly, him that gives, and her that takes.