‘It would not be good to be married to a man if I do not love him.’

’But why shouldn’t you love him?  He’s just the man that all the girls always love.  Why don’t you love him?’

As Michel Voss asked this last question, there was a tone of anger in his voice.  He had allowed his niece considerable liberty, and now she was unreasonable.  Marie, who, in spite of her devotion to her uncle, was beginning to think that she was ill-used by this tone, made no reply.  ’I hope you haven’t been falling in love with any one else,’ continued Michel.

‘No,’ said Marie, in a low whisper.

’I do hope you’re not still thinking of George, who has left us without casting a thought upon you.  I do hope that you are not such a fool as that.’  Marie sat perfectly silent, not moving; but there was a frown on her brow and a look of sorrow mixed with anger on her face.  But Michel Voss did not see her face.  He looked straight before him as he spoke, and was flinging chips of wood to a distance in his energy.  ’If it’s that, Marie, I tell you you had better get quit of it at once.  It can come to no good.  Here is an excellent husband for you.  Be a good girl, and say that you will accept him.’

‘I should not be a good girl to accept a man whom I do not love.’

‘Is it any thought about George that makes you say so, child?’ Michel paused a moment for an answer.  ‘Tell me,’ he continued, with almost angry energy, ’is it because of George that you refuse yourself to this young man?’

Marie paused again for a moment, and then she replied, ’No, it is not.’

‘It is not?’

‘No, uncle.’

‘Then why will you not marry Adrian Urmand?’

’Because I do not care for him.  Why won’t you let me remain with you, uncle?’

She was very close to him now, and leaning against him; and her throat was half choked with sobs, and her eyes were full of tears.  Michel Voss was a soft-hearted man, and inclined to be very soft of heart where Marie Bromar was concerned.  On the other hand he was thoroughly convinced that it would be for his niece’s benefit that she should marry this young trader; and he thought also that it was his duty as her uncle and guardian to be round with her, and make her understand, that as her friends wished it, and as the young trader himself wished it, it was her duty to do as she was desired.  Another uncle and guardian in his place would hardly have consulted the girl at all.  Between his desire to have his own way and reduce her to obedience, and the temptation to put his arm round her waist and kiss away her tears, he was uneasy and vacillating.  She gently put her hand within his arm, and pressed it very close.

’Won’t you let me remain with you, uncle?  I love you and Aunt Josey’ (Madame Voss was named Josephine, and was generally called Aunt Josey) ’and the children.  I could not go away from the children.  And I like the house.  I am sure I am of use in the house.’