Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1895-02-18
AND THEN SHE PROMISED.


There are some girls who make up
their minds to escape matrimony If pos
sib'e, but who all the same give in in
the end to persistent aud tacttul wooing
was surprised The other week to
hear of the engagement of my great
school chum Mabel We had vowed to
each other that neither OF US would
ever marry, and that II one OF us fell in
love we were to tell the other what it
was like.
She wrote asking me down to spend
a week with her in SomersetShire, but
said not syllable about her engage
meuL When we were seated alone in
the drawing room after my arrival 1
proceeded 10 the attack.
"Well, Mabel" you are nice young
woman, breaking your vows 10 me in
this sort OF fashion. l remember you
told me- you were beginning to get
rather fond of Mr.. -, but that that
you were going 10 put on the stopper
there and then, and | really thought
that was what you were going to do. "
$50 il was, Madge, and really didn't
mean 10 give in and promise, if he had
not made me-.
MADE you. Gracious, Nab! How
could hep
81 don't know. He just mace me, and
feel so happy now that he did, for II
he had gone away TO America, as be
said be would, do you know. Madge, l
thiuk l should have died"
gave my promise, and then she told
me how he "made her"
well, began by being more stiff TO
him than | had been. However, the
more | tried 10 be stiff, the more oppo-
site he became, until had 10 keep out
OF his way altogether.
Then. you remember Lady Ms
dance? Well, imagine my cOnsterna-
tiOn on making our way Ia 10 discover
him near the door. l wished l could
have got away, but that would have
been too pointed, had to stay, and,
merciiul heavens had 10 dance with
him.
"He was trying all the time TO find
out Why had been keeping out OF the
way and avoided him, and / would not
tell hun. / was terrified every moment
be was going to propose to me, which
al last ne did. But | told him | was
never going to marry anybody.
zone day mother and the others went
out for long drive, and l was the sole
representative of the family at home. l
was wandering around the conserva-
tory when l heard a step on the gravel
path, and heard some one ring the door
bell.
James said No, sir = twice, and then
the step came quickly round by the path
leading past the conservatory. glided
quickly away, but think be must have
caught sight OF my dress, for he came
In lust as / escaped into the drawing
room.
80 on, you thought you were going to
escape, but you are IN for IL now, he
said, smiling miSchieyouSly, and show
ing his lovely white teeth under his
dropping mustache.
"NIn for what?' | replied, trying 10
look as diguiied as l possibly could.
s.'Ch, YOU know quite well. What l
asked YOU before. What made you say
say no TO me? Come DO tell me, l know
you didn't want to-
20, yes, did; indeed, | did
&" You know you didn't, you proyok-
ing girl. You must not stand there all
the time aud look so terrified OF me"
Now. l am waiting, he said, slow
~. with his eyes fixed hard on me.
Waiting for what?'
ITO tell me why you said no TO me-
IL felt him getting nearer and nearer
and l could not say word.
of you don't tell me, il means you
don't care for me, and l shall leave for
America tomorrow.
'''No, no, cried, you mustn't do
that. 0, why can't we remain as we
are?'
I'VE neither OF us said word after
this for a few seconds. thought OF
rushing away, but was rooted to TIE
spot.
".Now, do tell me why you are not
going TO be kind, and promise.
~ feel so afraid to- l gasped, bury
ing my face. ,,
.'My own darling! OF what could
Won be afraid? Nothing could make you
afraid OF me.
"He put his arm around me and ralS-
ed me up, while with the other hand be
raised 10y face TO his, and then, .
Madce, I promised?-Shetield Tele-
graph.