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sooner had I crossed the threshold of my father's house, than my aunt accosted me.

"Good Heavens, what a big girl, and not married! What will people say when they see her? How can we eat our rice and have that girl on our hands."

My father appeared nervous and tried to make excuses.

"She will not be unmarried much longer. Everything has been settled, as you know. So don't get excited."

His words were barely audible, and he seemed to be anxious to get away, but my aunt was fretting still. She continued:

"Indeed, yes, why should I worry? It is all very well to talk, but people will come to see her, and what will they say when they see such a big girl unmarried? It will not be you then who will have to listen to it all, it will be I who will have to reply to it."

Poor aunt! she had indeed cause for