"I do not need to do so. My answer to-day, to-morrow, and forever, must
be the same," she answered, in a very low voice; and her eyes sought the
ground, and the blush deepened on her cheek, as she laid her hand in
his. How he pressed that white hand, to his lips, to his heart! How he
clasped her to his breast! How he vowed to love and cherish her as the
dearest treasure of his life need not here be told.
Edith said:
"Now take me in to uncle, and tell him, for he asked me not to keep him
in suspense."
Michael led her into the hall, where the commodore strode up
and down, making the old rafters tremble and quake with every
tread--puffing--blowing over his fallen hopes, like a nor'-wester
over the dead leaves.
Michael advanced, holding the hand of his affianced, and modestly
announced their engagement.
"Humph! So the precious business is concluded, is it?"
"Yes, sir," said Michael, with a bow.
"Well, I hope you may be as happy as you deserve! When is the proceeding
to come off?"
"What, sir?"
"The marriage, young gentleman?"
"When shall I say, dearest Edith?" asked Michael, stooping to her ear.
"When uncle pleases," murmured the girl.
"Uncle pleases nothing, and will have nothing to do with it, except to
advise as early a day as possible," he blurted out; "what says the
bride?"
"Answer, dearest Edith," entreated Michael Shields.
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