What will you say ?--that is the question.
He is now waiting to ask you himself; but consider well before you go; and if you intend to refuse him, give me your reasons.' 'I shall refuse him, of course; but you must tell me how, for I want to be civil and yet decided--and when I've got rid of him, I'll give you my reasons afterwards.' 'But stay, Helen; sit down a little and compose yourself.

Mr.Boarham is in no particular hurry, for he has little doubt of your acceptance; and I want to speak with you.

Tell me, my dear, what are your objections to him?
Do you deny that he is an upright, honourable man ?' 'No.' 'Do you deny that he is sensible, sober, respectable ?' 'No; he may be all this, but--' 'But, Helen! How many such men do you expect to meet with in the world?
Upright, honourable, sensible, sober, respectable! Is this such an every-day character that you should reject the possessor of such noble qualities without a moment's hesitation?
Yes, noble I may call them; for think of the full meaning of each, and how many inestimable virtues they include (and I might add many more to the list), and consider that all this is laid at your feet.

It is in your power to secure this inestimable blessing for life--a worthy and excellent husband, who loves you tenderly, but not too fondly so as to blind him to your faults, and will be your guide throughout life's pilgrimage, and your partner in eternal bliss.

Think how--' 'But I hate him, aunt,' said I, interrupting this unusual flow of eloquence.
'Hate him, Helen! Is this a Christian spirit ?--you hate him?
and he so good a man!' 'I don't hate him as a man, but as a husband.