"I know you never walk about like that unless you are worried by something." "I am not worried to-day, my love; only a little perplexed," answered the Captain, detaining the caressing little hand, and planting himself face to face with his niece, in the full sunlight of the broad bow-window.
"Marian, I thought you and I had no secrets from each other ?" "Secrets, uncle George!" "Yes, my dear.

Haven't you something pleasant to tell your old uncle--something that a girl generally likes telling?
You had a visitor yesterday afternoon while I was asleep." "Mr.Fenton." "Mr.Fenton.

He has been here with me just now; and I know that he asked you to be his wife." "He did, uncle George." "And you didn't refuse him, Marian ?" "Not positively, uncle George.

He took me so much by surprise, you see; and I really don't know how to refuse any one; but I think I ought to have made him understand more clearly that I meant no." "But why, my dear ?" "Because I am sure I don't care about him as much as I ought to care.

I like him very well, you know, and think him clever and agreeable, and all that kind of thing." "That will soon grow into a warmer feeling, Marian; at least I trust in God that it will do so." "Why, dear uncle ?" "Because I have set my heart upon this marriage.