'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?'