I'll bet anything she'd rather have this young fellow without a penny, than Wilmot with his house full of gold.
Wouldn't you, Nell ?' 'Yes, uncle; but that's not saying much for Mr.Huntingdon; for I'd rather be an old maid and a pauper than Mrs.Wilmot.' 'And Mrs.Huntingdon?
What would you rather be than Mrs.
Huntingdon--eh ?' 'I'll tell you when I've considered the matter.' 'Ah! it needs consideration, then?
But come, now--would you rather be an old maid--let alone the pauper ?' 'I can't tell till I'm asked.' And I left the room immediately, to escape further examination.

But five minutes after, in looking from my window, I beheld Mr.Boarham coming up to the door.

I waited nearly half-an-hour in uncomfortable suspense, expecting every minute to be called, and vainly longing to hear him go.
Then footsteps were heard on the stairs, and my aunt entered the room with a solemn countenance, and closed the door behind her.
'Here is Mr.Boarham, Helen,' said she.

'He wishes to see you.' 'Oh, aunt!--Can't you tell him I'm indisposed ?--I'm sure I am--to see him.' 'Nonsense, my dear! this is no trifling matter.

He is come on a very important errand--to ask your hand in marriage of your uncle and me.' 'I hope my uncle and you told him it was not in your power to give it.
What right had he to ask any one before me ?' 'Helen!' 'What did my uncle say ?' 'He said he would not interfere in the matter; if you liked to accept Mr.
Boarham's obliging offer, you--' 'Did he say obliging offer ?' 'No; he said if you liked to take him you might; and if not, you might please yourself.' 'He said right; and what did you say ?' 'It is no matter what I said.