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 at 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 . As I went down the slope towards her I noticed she was tall -- quite too tall for my taste . I dislike women who can look into my eyes on a level -- but I had to admit that her form was remarkably symmetrical and graceful .
She put out her hand -- it was ungloved and large , but white and firm , with a cool , pleasant touch -- and XXXXX , with a composure akin to indifference , `` Mr. Carslake , I presume .
asking assured disliked dressed felt grown interfered knew said thought