My poor father left me a scant inheritance; but, such as it is, my uncle set his greedy heart upon adding it to his own.

To do this, he determined upon marrying me to his only son.

My cousin William was his father over again--meaner, more cruel and crafty and cold-blooded, if possible--and utterly abhorred by me.

I would sooner have died ten thousand deaths than marry such a sordid, hateful wretch! But marry him I surely must have done, if I remained in their power.

So I fled.