CHAPTER TWENTY

Determination

September 24th—In the morning, I woke up early, and quite happy. I walked down the hall, and saw Mr Huntingdon coming to me. I felt his strong arm around my waist and his warm kiss on my cheek.

"My own Helen!" he said into my ear.

"Not yours yet," I said. "Remember, you must first speak to my uncle and aunt. My aunt is not too fond of you."

"Yes, I know that she has heard that in my younger years, I was a bit careless, but I am no longer that way. And I know that with you, dear Helen, to take care of, I will live like a kind gentleman and husband."

"You must first speak with my aunt."

"Yes, you've talked about your aunt and uncle, but where is your father? Can I not speak to him?"

"No, my aunt and uncle are my care givers. My father gave me up when my mother died. I was a young girl then, and have not seen him since that time. Before my mother died, she requested that I live with my aunt and uncle, and my brother live with my father. So, you see, you must speak with my aunt."

Many times during the day, my good aunt attempted to persuade me not to accept Mr Huntingdon's offer of marriage, but I could not refuse him. I knew I thoroughly loved him, and he would be a good husband. Yes, he was a bit thoughtless, but that could be changed. Just before dinner, my uncle called me into the library to discuss this important matter.

"Now, Helen," he said, "this young Huntingdon has been asking to marry you. What should I tell him? Your aunt would answer 'No,' but what do you say?"

"I say yes, Uncle!" I exclaimed.

"Very good!" he cried. "Now, when must the wedding be? Huntingdon would like to be married quite soon, and you feel the same, I suppose."

"No, Uncle. I would like to wait till after Christmas."

I am in no hurry to get married. I am happy enough to know that we are to be married. I must first ask my aunt about the time of the wedding before deciding.

(end of section)