"There is something I must say to you.
I cannot marry you, Mr. MacPherson."
There was a pause. I would have given much to have seen
the pair of them. When Mr. Malcolm MacPherson spoke his voice
was that of blank, uncomprehending amazement.
"Nillie, what is it you are meaning?" he said.
"I cannot marry you, Mr. MacPherson," repeated Aunt Olivia.
"Why not?" Surprise was giving way to dismay.
"I don't think you will understand, Mr. MacPherson,"
said Aunt Olivia, faintly. "You don't realize what it means
for a woman to give up everything--her own home and friends and all
her past life, so to speak, and go far away with a stranger."
"Why, I suppose it will be rather hard. But, Nillie, Avonlea isn't
very far away--not more than twelve miles, if it will be that."
"Twelve miles! It might as well be at the other side of the world
to all intents and purposes," said Aunt Olivia obstinately.
"I don't know a living soul there, except Rachel Lynde."
"Why didn't you say so before I bought the place, then? But it's not
too late. I can be selling it and buying right here in East Grafton if
that will please you--though there isn't half as nice a place to be had.
But I'll fix it up somehow!"
"No, Mr.
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