CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

Further Warnings

The next day, my uncle, aunt and I went to a dinner party at Mr Wilmot's. He had two ladies staying with him, his niece, Annabella Wilmot, quite a beautiful young girl, and her gentle cousin, Milicent Hargrave, who had become quite fond of me, and I was quite fond of her, as well. Mr Huntingdon was invited to the dinner, as well.

After the dinner, Mr Huntingdon was soon standing near me. He took me away from the party to speak to me privately.

"Helen, how do you regard me? Helen—Speak!"

After a short pause, I began, "Well, how do you regard me?"

"Sweet angel, I adore you! I—"

My aunt then interrupted, asking that I follow her back to the party. She looked quite upset at seeing Mr Huntingdon and me together.

"I have much to say to you when we return home tonight," said my calm, but serious aunt.

When we returned home, my aunt sat down next to me, looking quite anxious.

"Helen, do you remember our conversation about marriage before we left for London?"

"Yes, aunt."

"Do you remember how I warned you against falling in love with a fool? You must be careful. I have heard terrible things about this young Mr Huntingdon. He is a charming, handsome young man, but that does not make a good husband."

"He is a much better man than you think him to be. My life will be to keep him from making errors. He always listens attentively now, when I speak seriously to him, and sometimes he says that if he had me always by his side, he should never do any terrible things. I will save him from evil."

"Oh, Helen, Helen! You do not know the misery in marrying such a man!"

"I have confidence in him, Aunt. God will help me succeed!"

My aunt thinks I will soon forget him—perhaps she thinks I have already forgotten him. I never mention his name, but I still wonder if we will meet again.

(end of section)