The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1883-08-07
TWICE ENGAGED.

TWICE ENGAGED.
but 40 you. really mean it, Mr..
Brabazon?"
Rosa Dale was standing in the illum-
mated archway of the autumn woods,
her bright braids Of huir pierced by
one OF two wandering sunDeams, her
dmpled child-face framed in, as it
were, by sprays of red-veined autumn
leaves, while her apron was full of the
glistening brown chestnuts which she
had picked up.
John BrabaZon leaned against the
tall, smooth trunk Of the birch tree,
and looked at her, with lazy, luxu-
rlous sense Of artistic beauty entering
his mind rs he gaZed.
"Of course mean it,' said he.
But L am only twelve years old "
cried Rosa, tlinging back the sunny
tendrils Of hair that hung over her fore
head.
"You are exactly twelve times as
lovely rs any OF the city bellies that
congregate hei eabouts," said Mr.. Bra
Dazon, striving to conceal a yawn.
'And if they think am engaged
don't you see2-there will be some
probability of their leaving off perse-
cutting me-"
"Well'' said Rosa every dimple
coming shyly out on lip and cheek as
she stood there.
"it's to be compact, eh2" said Mr..
BrabaZon.
Rosa nodded her fair little head.
Sl
ously, "where is the ring?"
1.-The what?"
The engagement ring, Mr.. Braba-
zon,' explained Rosa reproachfully.
"Don't you know there's always a
ring in nOvalsf' ..--.------.----: =.
'-,'Anamost generally lisa diamond" )"
"lf you'll believe" said Mr.. I3raba-
Zon tragically, Il never thought OF the
ring at all"
''But here's little opal that used to
be my mothers, hanging on my watch
chain.
Wont that do2"
Rosa held her brown finger, while he
fitted it OH.
"You-you haven't kissed me yetl'
she said, when this ceremony was
complete. ''Lovers always kiss their
sweethearts."
Mr. BrabaZon laughed.
. Come" said he, ''ths is getting
Serious.'' -
But here's the kiss, before the rest
OF the chestnut party get back.''
"And mind, this is to be profound
secret between you and me.''
Rose ran back home with q vague
sensation Of mysterious delight, and
thought how nice Mr.. BrabaZon looked
all the time she was munching her
roasted chestnuts; and Mr.. Brabazon
himself took advantage of the little
joke TO proclaim himself an engaged
man.
Nor is it al exaggeration to say that
the young ladies were genuinely disap-
pointed.
ut must be a recent thing" said
Kate Kennedy, tossing her head.
ooh, quite recent" acknowledged
Mr.. Brabazon.
''Love at first sight," asked Miss
Day.
''N-no, not exactly" said Brabazon.
"1n fact, / may say that have id-
mired tho young lady since her in
fancy"
What a delightful enigmap' said
Belle Vernon, looking anything but
delighted. But Of course, Mr.. Bra
Zon, you'll tell us her name?''
II am pledged to secrecy" said the
engaged man solemnly.
And when he left in the late autumn.
and forgot all about the wild little
woodland sprite who climbed trees and
pelted linn with chestnuts, waded with
brown, dimpled feet in the foamy
waters OF the glen torrent, and con.
Quoted him so mysteriousy to the
barn-chamDer to show him her empty
birds nests, butterfly wings and dia.
mond bright pebbles, how was he tc
know that she remembered the episode
under the yelloW-leaved chestnut trees
as a red-letter day i'll her calendar?
Gle ought to write to me,n said
Rosa gloomily, as the weeks and months
glidcd by, and no epistle came.
IL do hope he isn't going to turn out
false, like The wicked cavaliers in the
story books"
And when Mr.. Brabazon sent her q
huge wax coll with it's miniature trunk
and complete outfit Of elegantly made
dresses at Christmas, Rosa flew into 8
passion.
''As if / were baby" said she.
"A doll, indeed, and twelve years
OLE in October
81 wonderif he takes me fora child?'
"Who ever heard OF gentleman
sending doll to the young lady he j.
engaged to?"
''My dear Rosa," said her mother
half vexed, half amused, "what non
sense you are talking"
I'VE are engaged" said Rosa.
''See the ring"
And she shyly pulled it out from the
bosom Of her dress.
''lt was only joke" said Mrs. Dale
ut was sober earnestl" flashed Ou
Rosa.
"My DEAR" said Mrs. Dale, "haven'
VGu heardI"
''Mr. Brabazon is to be married tt