The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1893-11-26

net the morning after his arrival my
heroine and hero. There was nothing
strange in the beginning of their aopualh-
tanceship. If l remember correctly, one
Of her friends introduced him, low
spoken happy to meet you, toloWeu
by a trivial conversation and his rising
and bowling himself off and hoping 10
see her again" was how 1t commenced.
III is the same old story, pretty girl
moonlight nights, handsome and nch
young man-you know the rest.
In a week he was desperately In love-
but alasl he had no proof that 1t was
reciprocated.
This state OF affairs went on till the
night before she was TO return to Rlch-
moud when he determined to tell her.
what-weH what she had known all
along-of his love for her.
After the Ball.
The german was over; they went stroll
ling on the veranda. Presently they SAT
down I'm ono Of these convenient niue
recasses where. screened from the public
eve lovers are wont TO register VOWS
annarentlv more sacred than the laws
of the Medes and Persians. He tod heI
an. she heard him. With her shapeiy
head bowed and n beautiful glow suhus-
ing her soft cheek she listened 70 ms
raised her head. their eyes met, her
1aebes were wet with tears. She tried
TO speak but he raised his hand IN
siippliCatirg way and turned his hcaa
from her. He knew that for the present
and perhaps for the future
his case was hopeless. but with
hone born Of desperation he asked III
in the future he might ever dare TO try
and win her love-
.That." she replied sis a privilege
which no woman he's a right TO deny
man."
THANK you" he answered
81 am going home next week" he con-
tinued. and / want you 70 let me have
your permission 20 come and see you next
fan. may Il" He spoke with husky
voice. that told his passionate love bet
ter than a thousand volumes could and
with his eyes fastened upon her he
awaited his answer
At last she spoke; you have my per-
mission" she said. And you viii try 10
learn and love me. and will tell me so
II YOU do, when 7 come, won't your He
was pleading with her now with all his
heart. soul and love. He was asking
the woman OF his life for hope. She bent
her head. her silken lashes almost
brushed his cheek, for her eyes were
Rising in gentle undulations her fair
breast seemed a co-partner with her beat
ing heart In It's moment Of indecison.
Presently she turned and looked him
in the face while her pretty lips
parted with a smile and he heard the
words II will"
Then she continued 1T has been a
custom in my family for each girl as
she has grown up 10 make her debut
upon THANKSGIVING day. 1t is a peculiar
idea Of my fathers, and IN accordance
with his wishes my three elder sisters
have made their social entree on our
national holiday
Upon Thanksgiving day my father
always gives a dinner TO twelve, six
girls and six men, and when the last
course is over the company rise and
drink the entire toast to the debutante.
And now" she continued. comes the
strangest part Of my fathers peculiar
idea.
The toast is drunk with wine or
water, the choice being left with the
debutante. So far my three sisters have
chosen wine, considering water as I'M
lucky"
Here she faltered; he saw his opportuni
ty: And may ! come to your dinner. and
Tiff you love me, will'-he was speaking
now with all the eloquence OF his soul
will-will you, If you love me. choose the
water toast2'
He leaned toward her and heard the
low, soft words Il will"