The place got too hot for them after the story came out , and in less than a month all moved away -- much to the benefit of Mapleton . In Spite of Myself My trunk was packed and I had arranged with my senior partner -- I was the junior member of a law firm -- for a month 's vacation . Aunt Lucy had written that her husband had gone on a sea trip and she wished me to superintend the business of his farm and mills in his absence , if I could arrange to do so . She added that `` Gussie '' thought it was a pity to trouble me , and wanted to do the overseeing herself , but that she -- Aunt Lucy -- preferred to have a man at the head of affairs . I had never seen my step-cousin , Augusta Ashley , but I knew , from Aunt Lucy 's remarks concerning her , pretty much what sort of person she was -- just the precise kind I disliked immeasurably . I had no idea what her age was , but doubtless she was over thirty , tall , determined , aggressive , with a `` faculty '' for managing , a sharp , probing nose , and a y-formation between her eyebrows . I knew the type , and I was assured that the period of sojourn with my respected aunt would be one of strife between Miss Ashley and myself . I wrote to Aunt Lucy to expect me , made all necessary arrangements , and went to bid Nellie goodbye . I had made up my mind to marry Nellie . I had never openly avowed myself her suitor , but we were cousins , and had grown up together , so that I knew her well enough to be sure of my ground . I liked her so well that it was easy to persuade myself that I was in love with her . She more nearly fulfilled the requirements of my ideal wife than anyone I knew . She was pleasant to look upon , without being distractingly pretty ; small and fair and womanly . She dressed nicely , sang and played agreeably , danced well , and had a cheerful , affectionate disposition . She was not alarmingly clever , had no `` hobbies , '' and looked up to me as heir to all the wisdom of the ages -- what man does not like to be thought clever and brilliant ? I had no formidable rival , and our families were anxious for the match . I considered myself a lucky fellow . I felt that I would be very lonely without Nellie when I was away , and she admitted frankly that she would miss me awfully . She looked so sweet that I was on the point of asking her then and there to marry me . Well , fate interfered in the guise of a small brother , so I said goodbye and left , mentally comparing her to my idea of Miss Augusta Ashley , much to the latter 's disadvantage .
When I stepped from the train XXXXX a sleepy country station next day I was promptly waylaid by a black-eyed urchin who informed me that Mrs. Ashley had sent him with an express wagon for my luggage , and that `` Miss Gussie '' was waiting with the carriage at the store , pointing down to a small building before whose door a girl was trying to soothe her frightened horse .
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