Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1904-03-24
CHAPTER VI.
a PROPOSAL.

James stcpmothcr was already at
the front door with Edward claSpcd
in her arms. for Mrs. Ellery was as
fond of the boy as though he were
her own son. Close behind were Bes-
scmcr and his staff. When the Brit
ish colonel caught sight of Jane he
fastened forward and graspcd her
hand. "Ah. Mistress Jane. you must
hold your brother accountable for
this intrusion. NY heart so ycarned
for n sight Of you and your hos
pitablc home that | feared to indulge
myself by coming here lest ! could
not tear myself away. but he would
hear of naught but that we must
breakfast at the Ellcry mansion"
MY brother is ever considerable Of
his family's pleasure" Jane an
swercd. land he knew what happi-
ness it would give my father and my
mother to welcome one who has been
so kind to their SON"
Indeed. yes Edward put in gayly,
"and | wanted the colonel TO see that
my mother could Guido even your ia
nous breakfast that he has so
Dragged upon"
Mrs. Ellery had been no laggard
in welcoming her guests. Leaving
Jane and Edward to sec to their en-
tertainment. She FASTENED back TO
give orders for the preparation OF a
meal that should. indeed, as Edward
had boosted. Guido James.
Presently Edward stole away to
see his father. and when he came
back he requested Jane II take Col.
Bcssemer to him.
Never had the British colonel APP
peared to better advantage in James
sight than during the brief converse
with her father his manner at once
d%efcrential and genial. his tones low
but attuncd perfectly for the invalid's
ear. his words full of praise for the
soldier sor. Of his courage. his de-
votion to duty. his popularity with
his brother officers. ,JaEe saw her
fathers dcll @ brighten. she saw
the expression Of patient suffering
give way TO one Of interest. and the
withered check tighten with a faint
tinge of color.
Her heart went out to Bessemer
that he should have given the older
man those few minutes Of pleasure,
and when, with the excuse of not
wishing to tire the invalid, he drew
her from the Summer-house, she
walked with him along the garden
paths and entered the green and
purple labyrinth in the grape-arbor
towards which he directed their steps.
She put lp her hand and plucked
some grapes for him. He took them
from her. and then. a quick glance
around assuring him that the thick
screen of vines bid them from view.
he caught her hands in his and
drew her to him.
%".Iane.' he cried, in the smothered
voice Of passion, LANE. | love you!"
The girl struggled to free herself
but he held her close, while his hot
kisses fell upon her brilliant hair
and white brow. Presently, however,
either she gave more force TO her
efforts or he feared to offend her past
forgiveness. for he released her and
dropped upon his knees before her.
"Swccthcart,' he said, forgive me
my impetuosity. If ! have been too
forward, if I seem 10 have taken m
due advantage of this one moment
allotted me alone with YOU, then let
the alteration which | feel speak in
my behalf. The affection which | felt
for you when Il little Girl in phila-
delphia, though you touched my heart
then Us non of your sex ere had be-
fore. was but the gentle warmth of
a candle beside the MONDAY heat of
my love for YOU now. Jane. may !
not carry You back TO England with
me to adorn my home, to he tended
with my most Jealous care
"Col. Rrsscmcr, !" Jane passed her
hand across her forehead, as though
TO smooth away perpIexity-"I scarce
know what to say, so taken 10y SUR
prise am |. May will you not
grant me n rcspitc-time for on
sidcratlon of the great honor you
have Gone me? There is the break
fast bell" she added hurricdly, and
with very evident relief; must
hasten or my ~stepmothcr Will grow
nervous
lcss"mer rose and. holding her
hands in his, scanned her face with
his keen cys. Thine for consider
alton? Al. sweet one. if your heart
were ,illcd with love for mt as mine
is for you. there would he no need
of consideration Tell me. Jane, do