Come on , Mary . '' The south-west room was directly over the parlour and there was an open stovepipe-hole leading up therefrom . Peggy removed the hat box that was on it , and we both deliberately and shamelessly crouched down and listened with all our might . It was easy enough to hear what Mr. Malcolm MacPherson was saying . `` I 've come up to get the date settled , Nillie , as I told you . Come now , little woman , name the day . '' SMACK ! `` Do n't , Mr. MacPherson , '' said Aunt Olivia . She spoke as a woman who has keyed herself up to the doing of some very distasteful task and is anxious to have it over and done with as soon as possible . `` There is something I must say to you . 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 XXXXX give up everything -- her own home and friends and all her past life , so to speak , and go far away with a stranger . ''
Mary Nillie Peggy as of on over parlour to with