The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1892-01-27

firmly that he was not only adamant in
that respect, but even iridium.
"Well, I like a determined man." ad-
mitted Rose, with an admiring glance at
his sufficiently assertive chin; "and if
you are determined, I want to ask you
to allow me to choose my own pres
ent."
"With pleasure" exclaimed George.
"That is awfully nice of you," said
Rose; shut be sure to remember MOTTO
get anything until you hear from me. 1
will let you know in good time. Must
you really 60 now2' she asked; for
George, with the fortultous absent mind
edness of a truly bashful man, had placed
his hand over hers on the knob of the
door. "Good.night, then" she said, as
it yielded to their united efforts, and
George found himself standing outside
on the steps. He raised his hat as the
door closed gently, as if it were reluctant
to shut him out from her presence.
That night George drew some prelimi-
nary sketches of the Spanish chateau,
tildt NclC 1ull VI uSIdll d. y hS SAoSS
laine, but hazy as to the stairways.
After that, he saw Rose quite often
before it was time for the green wreaths
to hang in the parlor windows; but she
always said that she was not yet ready to
tell him what kind of q present she
wanted. It was not until Christmas Eve
that he received a little note hastily
scrubbed on the back of q visiting card.
DEAR GEORGE: I find that I Rave neg
lected to give you the information l prom
ised. But it doesn't matter. We have gone
to the country for our winter outing, and
mother wants me- to ask you to join us for
as many days as you can spare from busl-
ness. [ hope you will come and give me a
chance to keep my promise.
Sincerely sog.s
George accepted the invitation with
alacrity. He put an "Out of Town
sign on his Office door, and left the big
building to its own devices.
On New Years morning Rose suggest.
ed a ride to Sunset Hill, one of the widest
and most picturesque spots In the neigh
borhood; and, after the horses were
brought around to the door, they set
out together through the bright, frosty
air. They rode halfway up the hill and
then dismounted and, leaving their
horses tied to a ~bar-post, followed a
rough foct-path to the summit.
Rose stood close to George, looking
far out over fields and woods and groups
of cottages, and gazing with thoughtful
eyes on the Sound, where the snow-coV-
cred ice.cakes gtstened in the morning
sun. The strong wind rushed through
the trees and pressed her closer to him.
He steadied her with very unsteady
hands.
"What a wreck I sm," she said, as she
put back a brown tress which strayed
across her face. "Oh, I nearly forgot
to tell you about my present. Frankly,
would you mind giving a ring to mea"
Georges face fell, as he returned:
s'what kind of a ring2 You have so
many Of them; aud I wanted to give you
something original"
"a ring would be very original, from
you" and she smiled demurely; land I
fancy a plain turquoise would be the
proper thing, now. Here, you may
measure my finger; the third, please"
And drawing off her glove, she slipped
a warm, little left hand into his.
1.-THE third! Why, that is the en-
gagement fnger!" exclaimed George, as
the air assumed for him the balmy mild
ness of an Indian summer.
"You said it yourself, George Schuy-
ler!" she cried, with a brave attempt to
be saucy; but her voice was timid and
choked, as she rested her delicate head
lightly against his shaggy coat; and, now,
you can never tell any one I proposed +
you, even if-even if this is Leap
year."-Puck.