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.'

'Of course you are of use in the house. It is not that.'

'Why, then, should you want to send me away?'

'What nonsense you talk, Marie! Don't you know that a young woman
like you ought to be married some day--that is if she can get a
fitting man to take her? What would the neighbours say of me if we
kept you at home to drudge for us, instead of settling you out in
the world properly? You forget, Marie, that I have a duty to