The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1900-05-23
HELPING GEORGE OUT

line FAIRFAX ana ner sister clara were
at the opera. The curtain rose on the third
act of "Lohengrin," and they listened TO the
beautiful wedding march
There is sufficient poetry and romance IN
that popular melody to stir the heart and
set the head awhirl Of any lovesck youth or
maiden. Many a story might be made Of the
romances that had started by youthful
swain Listening to the strains OF beautiful
wedding march; many a mating has IL
caused.
80, Caroline" whispered the younger girl.
isn't it lovely? 1t makes me feel Like get
ting married right away-as though mar
riaee were the most heavenly thing on earth.
Why don't you bring George here? be-
heve he would propose then"
Caroline flushed. Don't be silly, Clara"
said abe.
just the same Caroline wished that George
was with her; that he might listen TO the
melody, sure that it would bring TO his lips
the words that she had 80 long waited for,
words that abe was sure he wished 70 speak,
and would, but for failing heart each time
the test came. The melody stirred her own
heart to it's depths and caused il 10 beat
faster as she thought Of the bliss that 10
often followed the playing Of that familiar
melody. She did not believe that George
could listen to the sweet strains without
being moved 10 speak.
George Rogers had been in love with Caro-
hne Fairfax for nearly three years, and
Caroline was in love with him. Twice every
week George came TO soc Caroline; often be
took her and her sister or mother TO theater,
concert or opera; sometimes he took them
driving; and he deluged them with candy
and flowers. The candy and flowers were
given 70 Caroline but Clara helped 10 cot the
candy and shared the flowers. The whole
Fairfax family wondered why George did
not propose. They would have been sure
that be had done 80, but Caroline insisted
that they were not engaged, and Caroline
was a truthful girl. 1t wes not possible that
George had been refused, for Caroline was
no Airt, and she certainly encouraged
George'e attentions; az Least she did not
discourage them.
IT wish he would ask me 10 marry him.
thought Caroline, all through Elsa's and
Lohengrin's musical tete-a-tete. Poor fel-
low, I suppose he can't get up sufficient
courage, for l know he adores me-" She
blushed again. 1t was almost pity that all
eyes were Cd the stage, for the blush became
her wonderfully, end she was an uncommon
" pretty girl.
IF were the heroine Of moved would
help him out. Maybe should propose my.
self. Gracious. don't see bow girl could
do that. If helped him or led him Oh
George and would both know It, always,
and I should be too ashamed for anything.
If only George had a rival be might wake
up and ask me TO marry him for fear Of the
other man. But haven't another sutton.
Cheltenham Smith oomes to see me pretty
~ haxk ha ~ he -
lover. I wish George thought that Chel.
tenham WIS cutting him out. Why shouldn't
he think 90! 1t isn't true, and should have
to act be, or tell one, 70 mako him think
30. o dear, o dearl'
Truthful Caroline wrought herself into
such q state that by eight O'Clock that even.
ing she had made up her mind 10 tell lie
"a great big black be-" abe said TO herself.
and shuddered, but persepered IN her re-
solve.
II will tel George that Cheltenham has
asked me 70 be his wife, and that have
promised to answer him IN 81 hours George
will never find out that it isn't 30, but O
dear, o dear, 70 think that l should have
TO do It,"
The maid knocked at Mics Fairfax's door
and presented a card. She did not look
at it. 'fI shall be down in moment" size
said. OF course it was George that had
come. She was expecting him. With beat.
ing heart she descended the stairs, entered
the drawing-room and faced Cheltenham
Smith.
Mr.. Smith noticed that Caroline WIS not
30 calm az usual, and thought that her agi.
tation made her prettier than ever. For
awhile they talked on commonplace Sub.
jects. Miss Fairfax answered as occasion
required, but she was hardly conscious what
either she or Cheltenham was saying. Sud.
denly she became alive 10 every word. The
man was actually telling her that he loved
her-he was asking her TO become his wife.
When he paused she did not answer. With
put thought OF poor Cheltenham's unre-
iuited love she was congratulating herself
hat he was playing into her hands.
Caroline, dear Caroline, ny that you love
me-" implored her sutton.
''Mr. Smith" answered Caroline, "you are
rery good. I must have time TO think.
Please, please wait until tomorrow" and
the looked at him beseechingly.
Certainly" said Cheltenham, IT will wait
{ you wish" He was grieved. This was
lot the way in which he had hoped to have
iis suit received. He silently awaited the
adys commands. She was gazing on the
door and did not raise her eyes.
would you like me to 90 nowy" ven
nred Cheltenham, after On awkward pause.
Eyes, please" rejoined Caroline, far too
agerly. Come tomorrow, tomorrow"
Her lover bowed and turned TO go. AT the
door he hesitated, and then said, simply:
"Good night, Caroline. Please be kind to-
morrow"
AS he lei fan the portiere Caroline sank
back among her cushions with sigh of re-
lief. She scarcely thought of Cheltenham.
She was waiting for George. He came in
few minutes, outwardly as calm and IN
demonstrative as ever, inwardly as shy.
II want to ask your advice" said Caroline,
presently. "Cheltenham Smith was just
here. Flo asked me to marry him"
George started. you didn't-didn6-"
he stammered.
mo. I didn't" answered the girl, "but /
may tomorrow. He is coming for my an
swer then"
Georges manhood asserted itself. 60
Caroline, and I have loved you all these
years"
"But you never told me 30" said Caroline,
4 ~ ~ ny