Year: 1877

BY SUNSHINE.

 I'm eighteen to-day, June 20. How fast the years do glide. l have spent . very happy birthday. Awakened by kiss from Mamma, 1 looked on the little table by my side, and there were pre- sents from all the family. A beautiful watch and chain from Papa, a lovely set of pearls from Mamma and this dear, ,sweetlittle Journal from Grandma. l can't go through with all the details of the day, but must hasten on to the most important event. Papa said l should have a party and had it, and it is just over and, as l have decided to take you into my confidence, dear reader, don't mind telling you some thing I wouldn't tell anybody else, just now. Tonight Douglas Wayverly asked me to be his wife and l have consented. But I will tell you all about it. While the dancers were busy in the drawing room l slipped out on the veranda, to get breath of fresh air and to admire the night, beautiful moonlight night. had not remained long alone when, hearing a step behind me, I turned and saw Douglas. He was looking unusually grave. Offering his arm to me, he asked me if l would walk with him on the lawn. gayly took his protfered arm. bantering him on his gloomy appearance. To my sur prise he made no answer to my sally, but walked on in silence. 1 made sev- eral more attempts at conversation, but finding he was determined not to talk, I too, soon relapsed into silence. As we approached pretty little summer house, covered with vines and lighted by the rays of the moon, he paused, and for the first time during the walk, spoke. HLet's stop here. 1 have a birthday present to offer you," he said. "How strange to bring me away of here to present it,' said, getting out of patience with his strange manner and mysterious silence. But by this time we had entered the summer-house and l had throwu myself on 8 seat. He still stood, and as l looked up at him inquiringly, I met his gaze fastened on my face so strangely that, in spite of myself, felt the blood rush to my forehead, and my eyes hurriedly sought the ground. He remained standing thus a moment; then drawing little box from his pocket opened it and took out a gold ring, with an exquisite ruby set, which sparkled like fire in the moon light. "Here, Grace," he said, in his style of plain eloquence, "is the present; with 1t offer my love, my heart, my self. Can you give me yours in return, and wear this as pledge?" His voice had grown low and tender. l knew that his great black eyes were looking at me, trying to read my heart. did not see them, but 1 felt them, burning into my very soul. After long pause I heard him whisper, "1'm waiting, Gracie.n" I knew that he must have his answer, but not being able to con- trol my voice, simply held out to him the forefnger ofmy left hand, keeping the right hand over my face. He took the hand that held out to him and, :, after slipping the glittering band upon my finger, gently took the other from my blushing face and drawing my head upon his shoulder, he-he-(well, I'll confess it to you) he kissed me. Many VOWS passed between us; vows of love and trust and fidelity and all that low CTS vow.. So now nothing remains but to speak to Papa and Mama, who, l know, will answer as did, for they have known Douglass from his boy hood, and they will be glad for their little girl. ., -.-... ... .-.

 The June roses are nearly ready to bloom again. Many things have hap pened since those of last year were scattered on the ground. But I must go back to bright day of last October. Douglas had spoken to papa and gained his glad consent to our union. Mamma had given us her blessing, and was so happy in his love, and he, apparently in mine. My shyness in his company had given way tot gentle, eonfding love and was happy when he was by On this October day I wished to take 8 walk to favorite resort of mine, in a little wood not far from our home. The day was soft and balmy, and the sum- shine looked so tempting after so long a season of rain and clouds that felt il impossible to remain indoors. But nothing could be complete without Douglas. knew that he was neces- sary to my enjoyment of anything. St wrote him little note, asking him tc accompany me to this place. His an swer was very brief, saying that he hac another engagement, but was coming tt see me after tea. was piqued. II the four short months we had been en gagged he had never refused me single request, even giving up business engage ments to take me to ride, or accompany me in walk. knew it was unrea sonable, but, for the first time, fel out of humor, almost angry with him determined that he should not fndm at home when he called and aceordingl ly g made my arrangements, without send ing him word, to spend the night witt Anne French, who lives two mile from town. l often ride by mysel

 such short distance, and orderin. Fleet to be equipped for the journey, sprang on his back and we were sool on our way. I was obliged to pass b, the very place that was the cause of mI visit. It is a rustic arbor, covered witt honeysucle and yellow jessamine, ant having seat just large enough fo - two. Just beyond IS rushing brool shaded .byweeping willows and spanne,

 by little bridge. As Idrew near thisspo

 Iheard voices, and wondering who coul

 thus have encroached upon my rights