AN OFFER OF MARRIAGE.

Waikato Argus, Volume III, Issue 173, 21 August 1897, Page 1 (Supplement)

AN OFFER OF MARRIAGE.

The fire was burning clearly. She was sitting in front of it, dreaming. Her elbows were on her knees, ho r face in her hands. They were beautiful pictures she saw there in the grate. Her lips were parted, her face flushed, the light of happiness in her eyes. A step on the polished floor of the hall, a turning of the door-knob, and -Oh, Jack!" She stood erect; her face was white. The light in her eyes only glowed more deeply. " Glad to see me, eh ?" What a soft, pleasant, musical voice he had! He gave the outstretched hand a gentle pressure, sank on the couch, and drew her down beside him. " Hero you've been away two weeks just enjoying yourself, while your father and I have been keeping bachelors' hall. Come, give an account of yourself. How many broken hearts have you left behind you ?" "I never break hearts, Jack; I couldn't. I had a lovely time, but I did miss you so much !" " Only think, I've lived in this houso 16 years, and you confess to missing me!" " Sixteen years ! So long ?" " It was after my father 'had been buried that your father brought me here—a gawky boy of eight. You were a wee thing then and eamo into the hall to mset us, and your father said : ' Here, Helen, is a dear littlo brother I've brought you. Give him a kiss.' Yesterday your father and I were talking of you," he continued. "He said nothing would please him more than to see you and me married.'' He paused. " I'd like to please him, but" " Yes. Jack ?" " I told him that wo didn't care for each other like sweethearts. Two people who grow up together, as you and I have, never do care for each 1 other in that way.' The coals were growing black. "He said, 'lf she says no, I'm satisfied. Ask her my boy.' Of course, I couldn't tell him then how gone I am on Nelly Asher, so I thought, just as soon as you reached homo, I'd surprise you with an offer of marriage and get you to say No, like the dear little sister you are " She drew her hands out of his. " There's one good thing, you won't have to promise to be a sister to mo, for you are that." He laughed. " Come, will you have me? You say no don't you ?" "Of course I say No, Jack. We couldn't care for each other—in that way—could we ?" '*' There was no brightness in her eyes now. She spoke slowly ;it ended like a sob. He looked at her, but sho seemed to be smiling. '■ Having propose 1 and been so cruelly rejected, I shall go and see a young lady who I know won't look upon riysuitso scornfully. I'll tell your father all about it to-night," ho said laughmgly, as he stood at the loor. She heard the door close. How cold she was ! The fire had gone out. — Homo Chat.