Wauwatosa news. [volume] (Wauwatosa, Wis.) 1900-1948, 1903-10-31
THE PROPOSAL.


The garden was wonderful in its fresh
spring beauty the delicately tinted lilacs.
the fruit trees that were one immense
hank 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
der perfumes lowered in the warm air.
while fragile, delightful rustlings and
whisperings were all that broke the ST.
lCnce.
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 futtered 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 ia
glimpse of beautiful face
NJ. de GAGE felt happier and younger
than ever; his 45 years slipped away
from him as a dead leaf from its branch
he did not know what IL was to grow
old. lie 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.
Il 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 aud then,
feeling that it was time for him to make
some reply, he asked:
is your father here?"
Yes she answered, conscious of his
emotion, she is settling his accounts in
the summer house. | heard the little
tinklc 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 am
other world?"
From another world?"
Yes; il was Robert, my young diplo-
mat. | 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
Il shall be very glad to meet him, :
said Helen, lowering her parasol.
'One reason of my coming here now
was TO ask your permission 10 bring him
10 call tomorrow" said NJ. 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
~ and his eyes fixed upon the ground.
Robert is now definitely settled. his
career is established, and he has nothing
| to do but 10 20 ahead: he was still a
| good deal of Il boy when he left for
Japan, but he has come home Il man; |
do not need to worry any longer about
him. And il is this fact that has decided
me 10 take. with your fathers permission,
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 ms 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 he
| his wife. He felt instiuctvely that the
moment was divine. Had he been
younger he would have done il without
| pauS!ng for an instant, but certain ages
| nave 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
Very well. then. l will come tomor,
row, | will not disturb your father
Why, are you going already? We
nave scarcely seen anything of YOU, late
You are good to say So
Yes. Helen was good. she was beauti
! tul and she was charming. NJ. de Gact
| Kept repeating the words to himself a.
| he walked beneath the tail. spreading
| eimS. where. at the end of the driveway
| a groom stood waiting. holding his horse
| With naive care he constantly assured
| himself Of her love, remembering how
| she always came 10 greet him, and heI
smiles and soft handShakes. Was Il
after all only sympathy that she fell
| for her lonely. agreeable neighbor? But
| no. she had hushed just now. she under
stood the hidden meaning of his words
and she had said Tomorrow" Besides
| he had already spoken 10 Mr.. Manfruy
perhaps FIeleu'S father had told her?
He stopped short, refining in his hors,
| suddenly.
1 What If she only wants ~ y,,orrv IN.