“Well⁠—well. To the main point⁠—the departure with me from England, the cooperation with me in my future labours⁠—you do not object. You have already as good as put your hand to the plough: you are too consistent to withdraw it. You have but one end to keep in view⁠—how the work you have undertaken can best be done. Simplify your complicated interests, feelings, thoughts, wishes, aims; merge all considerations in one purpose: that of fulfilling with effect⁠—with power⁠—the mission of your great Master. To do so, you must have a coadjutor: not a brother⁠—that is a loose tie⁠—but a husband. I, too, do not want a sister: a sister might any day be taken from me. I want a wife: the sole helpmeet I can influence efficiently in life, and retain absolutely till death.”

I shuddered as he spoke: I felt his influence in my marrow⁠—his hold on my limbs.

“Seek one elsewhere than in me, St. John: seek one fitted to you.”