HER FIRST PROPOSAL THIS SEAS

New Zealand Mail, 5 February 1902, Page 12

HER FIRST PROPOSAL THIS SEAS

Crash! went the band on the great iron pier. Crash! responded the band on the little pier half a mile to the right. "I like the music, don’t you?” A pair of bright eyes-mot the only pair on the beach—were raised to his with a sweet wistfulness. “Yes, I like it. Haven’t thought much about it, though, except for dancing.” "But it’s so dreamy—and nice.” "Um. But dreamy music doesn’t do for a two-step as I told that lobster who leads the band. He hasn’t any sort of idea how dance music should go.” "Oh, I think he has.” “Well, I couldn’t dance at all to the time he kept.” "Nor I, when I danced with you.” The youth peered anxiously at the serene face under the lace scarf. "You’re getting personal, aren’t vou?” he asked. “Oh, no, certainly not. Whv thould it be personal ?” "Because you said ” "Well, 1 am not always accountable for what I say.” A moody silence followed, during which he legal ded an outgoing steamer gloomily. I say,” at last he ventured, "didn’t you promise not to dance with Jenkins? You know I don’t like him.” "Yes, I dill say so, but ” "But what?” "When I promised I didn’t think he would ask me. Ihere are so many girls hc-re—and only men enough for half of "How foolish, dear, you are so sweet and—and ” that will do. I know the rest "All right let’s have it. What else was I going to sayr” "You were " going to say that I am faults " and 8 that ’ but 1 have my "Never.” "What, not a single fault?” * aiu delighted. I wish papa could say as much. , ‘‘E oe ,? -)'° ur father think you have any faults, (fiercely.) J ‘‘Yes—sometimes. Ah me, poor pana He thinks that I am—am extravagant ” lief?” U ' ° U What does base his'be-

' On the bills.” (Demurely.) There was another silence, during which the waves beat a soft tattoo on the beach in the distance. Presently he spoke. "Isn’t it cold for you out here?” "Oh, no. You see, I have my scarf.” "What, that flimsy thing!” "It isn’t flimsy! it’s real duchesse and cost—oh, dear, I forget how much it did cost.” "Nevertheless it’s thin. Let mo tuck it around you—so.” "I can fix it—oh, Jack, really you must not.” "Why?” "People would think it queer.” "Don’t you think it queer?” "I ? Oh, no—not very, I mean.” "Then why mind what people would say? They’d think we either were engaged or ought to be.” " Jack! Take your arm away !” "Well, anyway, it’s time we were. Don’t you think so?” " I’m sure I don’t know what I think.” "Let’s see. I’ve been here nearly threo weeks already, and you've been here ever since I came. That’s quite long enough.”

"Perhaps so. But do you love me, Jack?”

"As my life, sweetheart.” "Will you always love me, Jack?” "Always.” « "Jack—l am almost afraid to be engaged to you. I’m afraid you’ll find out some time that I have a secret from you.”

"A secret! Darling, there must be no secrets between us.” “That’s what Harold—l mean that’s what mamma alwavs savs.” "Then tell me.”* "Oh, Jack, I hate to.” "But it’s your duty, dearest.” "Well, Jack, I’ll try. You see, last summer—you know, Jack, this is my third season—well, last summer, I I thought I was in love—l really wasn’t, you know—and I became engaged—just for a little while, though. So, you see, dear, this is not the first time. * That’s all, J aek.”

The vouth gulped at a lump in his throat that swallowed convulsively. “Oh, Jack, dearest, swear that you forgive me!”

, Jack’s tears lay very near the surface, but he bravely mastered them, and pressher fond head to his manly bosom, uttered the magnanimous words which made her happy: " I forgive you!”•—"New York World.”