I can not 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 can not marry you , Mr. MacPherson , '' repeated Aunt Olivia . `` Why not ? '' Surprise was giving way to dismay . `` I do n't think you will understand , Mr. MacPherson , '' said Aunt Olivia , faintly . `` You do n'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 is n'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 do n't know a living soul there , except Rachel Lynde . '' `` Why did n'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 is n't half as nice a place to be had . But I 'll fix it up somehow ! ''
`` No , Mr. XXXXX , '' said Aunt Olivia firmly , `` that does n't cover the difficulty .
Avonlea Grafton Lynde MacPherson Mr. Nillie intents miles purposes right