I BELIEVE MYSELF TO BE BROKEN-HEARTED--MARIA IN LOVE--I MAKE AN OFFER OF MARRIAGE, WHICH IS NEITHER ACCEPTED NOR REFUSED A phase of my life, into which I do not propose to enter, left me firmly resolved that (as I said in confidence to Clerke) "I shall marry to please the governor.

One doesn't go in for a broken heart, you know, but it isn't in me to _care_ a second time." It was shortly after this that Maria and her mother came to stay at the Hall.

A rather mysterious letter from my aunt had led to the invitation.

It was for the benefit of Maria's health.

My father also invited Polly; she was a favourite with him.