Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1897-10-14

my shoulder, and taking my hand ne
sttoked it N1ctiunatcly,
DO you know, Nora. he said, "y,a
are the dearest lltle girl I've ever
metz"
Now, that kiss is eomtng." /
thought, and With q sudden GESTURE of
impotence, | drew away.
Sir George colored and sat down,
There was silence, Then he said: "0f
course, shall try to carry out your
wishes as far as possible with regard
to our future household arrangements,
Il there is anything You wish particu-
larly to have done, you must tell me,
my dear"
Thank YOU / replied. You are
very good
Your mother told YOU suppose,
that | wish the marriage to take place
soon,' he continued. There is no need
to delay it, and | don't approve of long
eng agemAnts, You have no objections
| SUPPOSE
Moo" Stammered feebly.
Sir George toyed with his watch
chain nervously and tidgeted uneasily
in his chair, then strobe to the window
and looked out.
| could not help feeling sorry for
hlm-he looked 50 i'll at ease. felt
that l had treated him rather badly.
1t is lovely day, isn't it,"
Yes, delightful And we are friends
q 1iI1p I've IA
around at me with frank smile.
OF course we are. l replied, laugh
ing neryously.
That IS right" he exclaimed. as he
left the window and walked toward
me.
Now It is really coming" thought
and felt myself turning the color of n
peony.
1t is not unusual, | believe, to seal
a compact of friendship with kiss" he
said, STOPPING suddenly he brushed
my forehead with his mustaehe.
oh, cannot stand this any longer, -
said to mys elf, as thought of Tom.
How very stupid of met" | ex-
claimed, must have dropped my
pocket handkerchief somewhere. If
you'll excuse me moment, III go and
fetch it,"
Sir George sprang forward to open
the door for me.
AS | dashed down the passage lead
ing to my room. | ran into the arms
of the housemaid
NJ, |
into my room for my letter to Tom.
I'm afraid it is rather u horrid letter,
| wish | had written it differently" |
reflected. "Oh, why did let Lydia
dictate to me? And | can't remember
now what | wrote"
Jane" said, post this letter for
me at once, please
| gave it to her, and then sat down
and tried to collect my thoughts
Wondered what / shoUm feel like II
were suddenly to hear that Tom was
engaged to be married.
"Oh, Tom! What will you think
Of me?' | exclaimed. No, | cant do
it! | can't | will not. | would rather
live and die a penniless old maid
sprang up and rang the bell While
waited | rubbed with a damp sponge
the spot on my forehead where Sir
George had kissed me-
Quick, Ross!' cried to my maid.
quick! Run after Jane and tell her not
to post my letter, Run! run! rum"
| could scarcely control my impa-
thence till she returned. Come IN!
Give it to met" exclaimed, as she re-
entered the room.
If you please, miss, said Ross, hes
itatingly Il am very sorry, but Jane
had already posted It.
"Thanl; you, Ross; you can go!" |
said.
TOO late! Too late!" ! moaned, de-
spairingly as | flung myself and sob
bed among the sofa cushions
did not see Sir George again that
day, for, under the pretext of violent
headache, kept my room.
When | aw0ke next morning my
room was flooded with sunshine, for
! had forgotten to pull down the blinds.
What a lovely morning." excIaim-
ed, joyously. Then suddenly re-
Imembered, and with a sinking sensa-
ton at my heart, ! fell back among the
pillows.
I'm engaged engaged" ! repeated.
mechanically, trying in vain to fully
comprehend 1t. Yes, am engaged to
Sir George Lessingham. | cam back
out Of it now. I've told Lydia, and,
Of course, every one will know 1t by
this time. Oh, Tom, Will you ever for
give me-
] unused over the events OF the pre-.
yious day. Il hope we shall be very
happy together. | should like
the marriage to take place soon, Sir
George had said
"Oh. well, suppose must make the
best Of it,, | said Il shall have
Lydia stay with me very often, OF
course, and, as she says, it will be nice
to travel, aEn | have never yet been
abroad
] had lever bestowed such a thought
on the question Of marriage. / had al
Il a 20 tffg1srI !