Page:The Tenant of Wildfell Hall (emended first edition), Volume 1.djvu/298

286 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."