"I do want--to be married." And here her courage failed her a
little, and for a moment her eye fell to the ground. "It is true,
uncle. He has asked me whether I could love him, and I have told
him I could. He has asked me whether I would be his wife, and I
have given him a promise. After that, must not his happiness be my
happiness, and his misery my misery? Am I not his wife already
before God?"

"No, no," said Uncle Hatto, loudly.

"Ah, but I am. None feel the strength of the bonds but those who
are themselves bound. I know my duty to my father and mother, and
with God's help I will do it, but I am not the less bound to him.
Without their approval I will not stand with him at the altar; but
not the less is my lot joined to his for this world. Nothing could
release me from that but his wish."

"And he will wish it in a month or two."

"Excuse me, Uncle Hatto, but in that I can only judge for myself as
best I may. He has loved me now for two years--"

"Psha!"

"And whether it be wise or foolish, I have sanctioned it. I cannot
now go back with honour, even if my own heart would let me. His
welfare must be my welfare, and his sorrow my sorrow. Therefore I
am bound to do for him anything that a girl may do for the man she
loves; and, as I knew of no other resource, I come to you to help