Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1903-11-04
THE PROPOSAL.

The garden was wonderful in it's fresh
spring beauty, the delicately tinted Glacs.
the fruit trees that were one immense
bank of bloom. and the sunshine that
played upon it all. throwing some of the
colors into high relief and shading others.
glowing richly IN the soft shadows: ten
ger perfumes lowered in the warm air.
while fragile, delightful ruStIings and
whispermgs We're all that broke the ST.
lence.
Jean de GAGE, as he opened the gate.
drew in a long breath of happiness
From where he stood he could see the
green sweep Of the lawn, the graceful
trees, and winding walls; his heart grew
light, and, smiling, he bowed deeply to
this paradise.
A white skirt huttered near the edge
of the little wood, moving with a quick,
rustling motion; he recognized the para
sol, the dainty rose-colored waist, and the
white skirt, and as the owner of the
parasol turned the corner he caught =,
glimpse of q beautiful face.
NJ. de GAGE felt happier and younger
than ever; his 40 years slipped away
from him as dead leaf from its branch !:
he did not know what 1t was to grow.
old. He had married very early in life,
and his wife, whom he adored, had died
soon after the birth of their son; and
since then, on account of the passionate
eagerness with which he had thrown
himself into his work, he had scarcely
perceived. the passing of the time. There
was no touch of white among his brown
hairs nor in his short mustache, and his
step was quick and alert.
But during the last year, since the
Mainfroys had moved into the country
house that adjoined his own estate, he
had grown younger than ever: he had
scarcely noticed that his son Robert had
left for Japan. as attache to the French
embassy, nor that Miss Maud his finest
mare, whom he had entered for the Oaks
race, had suddenly gone lame. He was
absorbed in one dominating thought that
he was in love with Helen Mainfroy. and
that, in all probability, should he ask her
hand, it would be given him.
Suddenly she called to him.
L have just been down to see your
horses run: Norfolk is simply superb
Nj. dc GAGE was enchanted, not with
the compliment bestowed upon mis- horse,
but with the bright JOY of Helen's smile.
He looked longingly at her, delighting in
each fresh aspect Of her beauty and then,
feeling that it was time for him to make
some reply, he asked:
rs your father here|'
Yes she answered, conscious of his
emotion, che is settling his accounts in
the summer house. | heard the little
tinkle of the bell by the garden gate, and,
thinking it was you, | came to meet
YOU"
'How good of you!-Guess. if you can,
who dropped down upon me yesterday,
fresh from the skies, or rather from an
other world?"
From another worId?''
Eyes; it was Robert, my young diplo-
mat. l didn't expect him for another
month, but he came through without
stopping, and arrived without even send
ing me telegram. He seemed to think
it was an everyday affair to come back
from Japan
II shall be very glad to meet him."
said Helen, lowering her parasol.
Zone reason Of my coming here now
was to ask your permission TO bring him
to call tomorrow" said M. de GAGE slow
ly. He was silent for moment, as if
to give more emphasis to his words, and
then he went on, his words coming crisp
ly and his eyes fixed upon the ground.
Robert is now definitely settled, his
career is established, and he has nothing
to do but to go ahead; he was still a
good deal of a boy when he left for
Japan but he has come home q man;
do not need to worry any longer about
him. And it is this fact that has decided
me to take, with your fathers permission,
a step with whose nature | have already
acquainted him."
In spite Of himself, the man looked up
to watch the effect of his words; Helen
was standing motionless, while the quick
color played in her cheeks. Her little
hand trembled upon the handle Of her
parasol as she traced vague patterns in
the garden walk.
NJ. de GAGE longed to take possession
of this little hand, to tell her how much
he loved her and ask her if she would be
his wife. He felt instinctivey that the
moment was divine. Had he been
younger he would have done it without
pausing for an instant, but certain ages
have their certain baShfulness. He was
silent, timid and trembling, as if he had
been only 20.
''You know we are always glad to see
you," said Helen, simply, breaking the
long silence.
row. [ will not disturb your father
now"
"Why, are you going already? We
have scarcely seen anything of you, late
ly.''
"You are good to say So
Yes, Helen was good. she was beauti-
full and she was charming. NJ. de GAGE
kept repeating the words to himself as
he walked beneath the tail, spreading
elms, where, at the end of the driveway,
groom stood waiting, holding his horse
With naive care he constantly assured
| himself of her love, remembering how
she always came to greet him, and her
smiles and soft handshakes. Was it
after all only sympathy that she felt
for her lonely, agreeable neighbor? But
| no, she had blushed just now. she under
stood the hidden meaning Of MS words,
and she had said Tomorrow" Besides.
| he had already spoken to Mr.. Mainfroy.
perhaps Helens father had told her?
he stopped short, refining in his horse
suddenly.
What if she only wants to marry me