We loved each other dearly, and we wanted no strange nurses to come between us.

My aunt (my mother's sister) relieved me of my cares in the intervals when I wanted rest.
For seven sad months our dear sufferer lingered.

I have only one remembrance to comfort me; my mother's last kiss was mine--she died peacefully with her head on my bosom.
I was nearly nineteen years old before I had sufficiently rallied my courage to be able to think seriously of myself and my prospects.
At that age one does not willingly submit one's self for the first time to the authority of a governess.

Having my aunt for a companion and protectress, I proposed to engage my own masters and to superintend my own education.
My plans failed to meet with the approval of the head of the family.

He declared (most unjustly, as the event proved) that my aunt was not a fit person to take care of me.