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THE EUROPEANS.
[CH.
"Why did you never tell me this before?"
"It is disagreeable to me to speak of it even now. I wished simply to explain to you about Charlotte."
"You don't wish to marry Mr. Brand, then?"
"No," said Gertrude, gravely.
"And does your father wish it? "
"Very much."
"And you don't like him—you have refused him?"
"I don't wish to marry him."
"Your father and sister think you ought to, eh?"
"It is a long story," said Gertrude. "They think there are good reasons. I
