Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1899-01-06

maine. No doubt many fellows woui,
envy what I've got-but, after all, IT i
very little. There Is something NOR
that is wanted, and surely to suppl,
that want would be the fittest way o
starting a new year. Dear Miss Castle
maine, want to be a better man in tn,
4 future than in the past, and you. onl,
| you, can help me. What Is needed t
make my happiness complete, to crown
all my hopes, and perfect my manhood
I is a woman's Towel Sybil-let me cal
/ you Sybil, my lov4-will you be thu
woman? Will you'll marry me?"
In the seclusion bf the conservatory
he opened his arms little. as Though
| he expected her to creep in. and he ex
banded his chest to receive the burden
Of the dainty little head that was tc
nestle gently on it. But it was nigh,
| of surprises.
| II am very sorry you should have
asked me this, Lord Densham." said
| Sybil gravely. Il am conscious Of the
| vastness of the compliment, and am
not blind to the advantages and at
! fractions Of your offer, but I do not
| love you.'
"You don't love me?" repeated his
| lordship in tone of Disappointment
| that had a suspicion OF incredulity in it.
you don't love me? BUT surely that is
| only a matter of time: when you have
| seen more of me, when you know me bet
| ter, Sybil-
my decision would not alter. Lord
Oensham.
but you are quite sure
Il quite realize what 4 am losing" said
Sybil calmly, land although know how
good of you 1t is to suggest 1t. don't
really think that could make you any
better, or anything iOut what you are,
either in the new year, or at any other
time
''But you could, Miss castiemaine; you
would you please take me back? am
| engaged for the next dance.
With wonderful smile on his lips. IN
which modification. pity, and surprise
were blended, he politely offered her his
arm and led her back to the ballroom
As they entered it. they almost ran into
past them when Sybii said:
'Oh Cecil, here you are! You're just in
time
tomary smile, and Cecil whispered:
II was not going to claim you for this
dance; thought you would prefer to sit
it out with him.
with him? Why?"
"I-er-I believe he has question he
wants to ask you"
II don't think he has, said Sybil quiet
They were about to join the dancers
when it was announced that the mystic
midnight. moment hau almost arrived.
and those who cared to do so were to go
to the open windows and on to the door
steps and the balconies, to listen and walt
for the solemn peal that was 10 mark the
annual recommencement. Briarley got "A
wrap to throw over his cousins Shout
uers, and then they went to the further
corner of the long balcony.
1t was, clear, frosty night, and the
stars and the moon We're shining with
brightness that, reflected in the boar
frost on the grass and trees, Illuminated
the dark hour with a soft poetic ligh..
some seconds, and then he whispered:
And is the beautiful night making you
thoughtful too?"
No said Sybil. with her face turned
little from him. mo, was thinking of
Tanalus.
''Ah poor TantaIus.' sighed Cecil 81
hope you pity him.
II don't think / do responded his
cousin softly. feeling glad that the shad-
ows hid her blushing. cheek, Perhaps
his prize was not so far out of his reach
Cecil may not have been rich in this
worlds goods, but he was not poor in
imagination.
'-Sybil, didn't Densham ask You any
thing? he Whispered.
Yes, Cecil. and-and | performed
modern miracle.
My darlingH' and then there was ST.
"sybil, you know, ! am not rich man,
and I am not a lord.
And you are not horribly conceited
and selfish either, dear.
He did not remove his arm. and sud-
den hush of expectancy quoted the chat
tering party. Nothing was heard for.
moment and then from Il dozen changing;
clocks all around them there doomed
forth the solemn chime that announced
the birth of the new year
one. two three-ten. eleven, twelve.
''Sybil" whispered Briarley, 1.-The Old
furnished years are gone. Here's TO the
golden future. Household Words.