The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1895-01-30
AN EARLY CALL.

He proposed to her in the conserva-
tory after supper; he did not go down
on his knees to declare that life would
be nothing to him without her. but he
told her, simply and earnestly, that she
was very dear to him, that he had al
ways loved her, and that as his wife it
would be his care to guard her from the
worlds rude buffetings. 81 think I
could make you happy" he said. Il
am not as clever as some of the men
you know, but love you"
"Yes," she murmured, Il know you
love me-you have always been good
to me; you must know-you must feel
have you care for mel wish I could
make you understand that l am CRATE
full"
Grateful! But why should you beP
Could l help loving youP Could 1 know
you and not care for you? You are so
unlike other women, so free from envy
and petty malice. 1 have watched you
with your girl friends-I have seen you
do many a kindness that you thought
nobody knew anything about. l think
it was your goodness that charmed me
at first"
She looked up-was he really in ear
nest?
Don't praise me-" she said; "compli-
ments from other men are well enough,
but not from you"
as it compliment to tell you what l
think? And il seems to me | have said
so little. All! if you could know what
is in my heart-but no doubt" as she
made an impatient movement you
have heard all this before-a twice-told
story wearies. What can l say to win
you you who are so used to being
loved? To another woman / might
speak of my wealth, of all that could
give her, but not to YOU"
"You think too well of me, " she broke
in.
No, Edith; 1 understand you, and
that is why | want you all for mine, to
have and to hold, to love and to cher
ish; say that you like me little; that
you will be my wife"
She leaned toward him; the words
that would send him from her and end
forever the friendship that had become
a part of her life were trembling on her
lips, when he, guessing her intention,
perhaps, said hurriedly: Some one is
| coming-yOur German partner, [ think.
Don't answer me now: later on will do
as WELL"
She breathed freely. 1t was natural
for her to postpone unpleasant things
to put off the evil day as long as posi-
| bic.
CAS- you wish, then; will you call to-
morrow"
"Yes, in the morning at H." He
bowed and withdrew, inst as her next
partner came hurryingu up.
'"The cotillion is about to begin, Miss
Alton" he said, taking Manning''
chair, "but think we have time for {
short chat. You don't mind talking tC
me for few minutes, do you?"
"Why, no." she answered, for sh'
liked the lad not only for his own SAX
but because of his friendship with tina
! other whose image was never long alb
sent from her mind.
"By the way" he said, as if readin:
her thoughts, Il got a letter from Ag
new to-day. thought you might car
to hear from him; you always seeme'
such friends"
yes" she responded idly. "How
hep"
Every we'll, but growing homesick
Think of it! He has been away 81
weeks"
NO doubt he is enjoying himself"
"Oh, Carl will always get the best ou
of life; that's his way, you know"
Eyes, know"
The answer was given SO carelessly
with such apparent Indifference, that b
was about to speak, to tell her the tic
ings that his letter contained, and whic
so far some instinct made him will
hold, when his hostess appeared in th
doorway.
"Come, you two," she called; "tt
others are waiting for you"
Dear Mrs. Danton," said the cir
rising, "Mr. Lane and l are such ol
friends that we sometimes forget no
time flies"
you young dissembler," laughed th
older woman; "you know Herbert Mar
!, ming was in the conservatory wit
YOU"
A sudden blush stained Edith's chez
she hated herself for it; it was so al
5 to mislead-but Mrs DantoR seemed
no way surprised.
There, child; don't look SO frigh
: ened," she said. NO one wishes yC
happiness more than I.
"But, Mrs. Danton-"
Really. Miss Edith" put in Ian
who had been a puzzled and uncor
Portable listener, a don't like to hurl
you, but we shall surely be late"
She turned away; after all, what d
it matter; by tomorrow the world won