Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1883-02-21

'I shall expect of you to be well taken
care of and must request you to bring
me home by twelve O'Clock at the very
latest. My mother this with a little
affected air, does not allow me to sit
up late
Daisy smiled family, bat promised 10
bring him home at the appointed hour.
And so they went off together he
livelier than ever before, she feigning a
cheerfulness she by no means felt.
At the ball, while under her COM
panion's observation, Daisy bravely
went through her part, dancing and pro-
menading with Mr., Keene.
He accepted these attentions as his
due, and poor Daisy while rendering
them was in state of distraction al
most as her fancy pictured the awk-
wardness OF the position IN which she
would be placed a short time hence
solely through her own wiliulness.
She imagined his look of cold sur
prise when she should propose TO him
and nearly lost all self.control as she
thought of losing his respect and esteem
by her own act.
With nervous dread she saw each OF
her mates quietly taking their leave
according 10 her directions a few min
utes before the mystic noon OF night
Promptly at that hour Mr.. Keene
arose and placing the tips Of his fingers
on her arm, sald:
May 1 trouble you TO take me home
now, Miss Daisy?'
Certainly, with pleasure, she stam-
mered, blushing rosily.
The walk home was performed in al
most total silence.
In the great hallway Daisy said COR
fusedlY:
'Will YOU come with me luto the con-
servatory: l have something to say to
you.'
1t will give me great pleasure to lis
ten 10 you,' be said, bowing in his old
stately and courteous manner.
Daisy led the way, trembling like q
leaf to where she knew her companions
were concealed awaiting them.
AS they walked down the periumed
aisles her heart beat so loudly that she
felt sure he must hear it; and in very
desperation, thinking TO have it all
over, she presently stopped by a tall
oleander, and begun:
'Mr. Keene you must have seen by
my attentions 10 you that II love
YOU. and now make you an offer of-ol
nv heart and hand. Will you marry
me:'
Yes, Daisy, dear, l acc pit your kint
offer, aud will marry YOU he replied,
coolly.
DAISY burst into a passion of tears at
that, and started away from him, but
he laid a OBTAINING hand on her just as
a suppressed oh! came from th'
nelehborhovd of the door leading into
thehall, and presently in the soft light he
saw .hree girlish figures glide silently
out ard close the door uolselessly be-
hind them.
Then
Daisy, my darling,' he said, speak
ing in a low intense voice, have yo
regretted your words alreadyS Yo
ought to be more light-heartcd, nov
that I have promised to make 20
happy
oh, please let me co. she begged
Il know l have behaved shametully
but 1t is only in fun. Oh, don't despls
me y she cried,a the hot tears chasin
each other rapidly down her flushe'
cheeks.
We will drop the fun then, Daisy
and speak seriously he said, seelu
how thoroughly mortified she was.
Il will be your suitor, darling, an
offer you my heart and hand. VIII 20
accent them? viii you be my wifi
Daisy?'
There was no mlstakiug the earne'
passion in his voice.
DAISY ceased sobbing, and looked U
in open-eyed Wonder.
a Yes, dearest, love you, he conii'
ued. 'and have loved you in secret II
many months. though feared to di
C close it lest you should spurn 1t and m
Forsiye me, but for the past few days
G have dared to hope that you are D
O indifferent 10 me. Can yen not lea
to love me9 Will you give your swe
G SELF to me, my own: All, dear, 10
It you so y
r. He drew her, no longer resisting
his breast, and, emboldenedl by her q
, nesting in his bosom, he pressed 2