THE PROPOSAL.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIX, Issue 249, 17 October 1908, Page 13

THE PROPOSAL.

'Twas done to the accompaniment of tie concertina. The couple had left the hid! (which iv that isolated spot was used for prayer and entertainment) to "sit out" a dance. Suddenly appearing from behind a bank of clouds the moon found them seated ou the top rail of a rude fence, and several feet apart. Through the open wrndotva floated the strains of the back blocfes instrument, and the noise of the dancers in their whirling. Several minutes had elapsed, and not a word had passed between tlie pair. The man's heart was. beating wildly, and seemed to be keeping time to the hurried music. Twice he essayed to speafe, but each time his tonirue deserted him. This was the man whose feats of strength were the talk of the country. He laughed — at bis own weakness, and braced himself np for a third attempt. Bot it ended in a few jumbled remarks about the crops being dry, and the weather being six inches hijrh. The moon became curious, and listened more intently. Then, as if inspiration seized him, he 'asked shyly, "Does yer mother rare meny ducts?" "A—pretty—considerable—tidy— tew." Does yer mother rare meny chickens?" This time his voice was stronger—courage was coming. "A—pretty— considerable —tidy—few," came the answer again rather absently. "I'm a good mine to 'it yer," he wavered, advancing a little. "What for?" "Becos yer won't 'are mc." The mean noted another forward movement on the man's Dart. "Well, yer 'aven't arsfe*d mc." "Now I asf yer," preparing to raoye again. "And now I 'a , ** yert" Bto tmam <Xt» appeared again. —"Adelaide Critic."