CHAPTER III

BETWEEN ENGAGED PEOPLE

=230. To a Lady on Being First Accepted.=

M----, June 10, 19--.

My Dear Eva:--

I cannot tell you with what impatient anxiety I have been awaiting your answer to my letter, and though you were too good to keep me long in suspense, still the interval between writing to you and hearing from you, was passed by me in alternate fear and hope--fear that I had mistaken your feelings, and hope that perhaps you did care for me a little. At present I can hardly realize the happiness of knowing that I may soon call you mine; it is the fulfillment of my most cherished wishes.

Believe me, dearest, it will be my one thought and care to render your life a happy one, and if we both love and trust each other we may, I hope, look forward to a bright future together. I was much gratified by your father's message to me, and I shall hope to run down to R---- on Saturday next as he so kindly proposes. In the meantime, will you not send me a photo of yourself that I may show it to my mother, who is most anxious to know you, having heard from her son how sweet and lovable you are?

I remain, dearest Eva, Your devoted EDWIN DRUMMOND.

=231. To a Lady to Whom the Writer Has Become Recently Engaged.=

Hotel Cecil, L----, July 18, 19--.

My Dearest Maud:--

I am conceited enough to hope that you have become a trifle impatient awaiting news from me. I arrived here last night rather fatigued from a hurried journey and a rough crossing. I shall hope to find a letter from you on my arrival at the Hotel du Palais, Paris. You may be sure I shall not remain away from you a day longer than is absolutely necessary to complete the business I have on hand, and you will, I am sure, give me the welcome I deserve for having made such haste to return to you. I picture you sitting under the chestnut trees on the dear old lawn, and, I trust, thinking of me. Excuse a short note to-day, I find it difficult to collect my thoughts. I leave this by the evening mail.

Remember me to all your family; and believe me, dearest Maud,

Yours devotedly, MAX DINGLEY.

=232. From a Gentleman to His Fiancée asking Her to Accept a Present.=

O----, May 1, 19--.

My Dearest:--

Will you delight me by accepting the accompanying locket and wear it for my sake? I shall be much pleased to hear that you like it, and only regret that I cannot present it in person, but shall hope to see you ere long. Excuse a short letter to-day, and ever believe me,

Yours affectionately, HAROLD CUMMINGS.

=233. Answer to the Above.=

O----, May 2, 19--.

Dearest Harold:--

Thank you so much for the beautiful locket received this morning; I admire it immensely, and shall indeed be pleased to wear it for the sake of the dear giver. I should so like a good photo of you to put in it. Will you send me one when you next write, or, better still, bring it yourself? You can imagine how greatly I am looking forward to your promised visit; will it not be very soon? it seems so long since we saw each other. I trust, dearest Harold, you are quite well, and are not overworking yourself with too much writing as you told me you had been doing lately. How do you like your new quarters? Tell me everything about yourself. I think you know how interested I am in everything that concerns you.

All are well at home; my aunt thinks of remaining here another three weeks. Until I have the great happiness of seeing you,

Believe me, dearest, Yours lovingly, LOUISA.

=234. To a Gentleman to Whom the Writer Has Just Become Engaged.=

O----, August 10, 19--.

Dearest Fred:--

You have expressed a most complimentary desire that I should write you a long letter in answer to yours. It is a great happiness to me to do so, and to know that you care to hear of all my thoughts, hopes, and wishes. I have read your letter again and again; the assurance it contains of your affection is very precious indeed. Dear Fred, do you really love me as much as you say you do? I ought not to doubt it, but still it seems so strange and new that I should have the power of winning the heart of one so good and clever as you are. I am very proud that it did happen; my heart is full of thoughts of you, and every hour of the day I look forward to being with you again. I try, oh so earnestly, to fit myself for the position that awaits me as your wife, that you may never regret your choice.

Ever affectionately, EVA.

=235. From a Gentleman to His Fiancée.=

C----, January 10, 19--.

My Own Dearest:--

It is nine o'clock, and I am just home from the office. You see I am working hard. My only thought, all the time is not for myself, but for us. You won't forget it, darling? Do you dream sometimes of the little home we have planned? Can you not see it all? Is it not worth waiting for? Oh, dearest, do not forget that you have drawn my whole heart out of me--that it is all in your keeping, and that you are mine, mine. I live only in you, night and day, waking or sleeping. I love you so that it is pain not to have you, not to hold you.

Yesterday night our friend Max took me around to a reception or party or something of the kind at his fiancée's, Miss Lord. It was a very pretty affair, the ladies were in full dress, and the house was decorated in green and red. Miss Lord was a gracious hostess, and couldn't have done more than she did to make it pleasant for me. I had a delightful evening, and I certainly told her so; but I was thinking only of you all the time--you in your little pink gingham under the apple tree. Do you remember? It was May, and the sun was setting, and I kissed you for the first time without being scolded for it. You are not sorry that you didn't scold me? Think hard, dear, and tell me when you write. And do so, very soon. You know how I watch the mails, and how disappointed I am when the longed-for letter isn't there.

Good-night, my beloved, my precious little one.

Yours devotedly, EDWARD.

=236. Answer to the Above.=

L----, January 13, 19--.

Dearest Edward:--

The snow is twenty inches deep, and we are almost buried. Jim brought me your letter this morning. He was quite exhausted ploughing his way up to the house. "Thought it would pay me, Polly," he said, "to see the love-light in your eyes." Dear, lonely old Jim, so faithful and unselfish! Mother brought him in and gave him a cup of coffee. I don't know why it is, Edward, but sometimes I want to share my happiness with everybody, and then again I like to feel that it is exclusively my own. It is splendid of you, Edward, to be working so hard, and I am proud, and proud that you love me. I have also been working hard since yesterday morning. You could never guess at what. Mother and I have been cataloguing and arranging the books in the school library; you cannot imagine what a task it was. And this evening Mr. Melville is coming around to consult with mother about library methods, and how to manage the circulation of the books. I am going to ask him to mail this letter for me, so must finish it as quickly as possible.

Yes, Edward, I do remember that May sunset from under the apple tree. It is very long ago. We were only children. I didn't know what love was then--how deep and strong. Beloved, I never forget you, never pause in my loving of you.

Your own MARY.

=237. Another Letter from a Gentleman to His Fiancée.=

S----, December 14, 19--.

My Darling:--

All day in the store, and then the long evening in my room alone, that is my outward life. And my inward life--it is you, only you, for I think of you all the time.

The rush of business is increasing as the holiday season draws near; such hurrying, scurrying crowds of people, and only one little girl in all the wide world that I want. And my arms ache for her to-night.

Eva, dear, your last letter is worn quite to tatters from being carried in my pocket and pulled out for frequent re-reading. You would laugh if you could see it, and take pity on me and write me a new one.

Tell me, darling, what you are doing. Have you finished reading Romola? Do you like it! Are you keeping up your practicing? Did you have a good time at the sleighing party? Who was there? A regular string of questions, isn't it? You know everything you write interests me, and I like the little details most of all. Your letters are little fragments of you. I kiss them and treasure them most sacredly. O darlingest, dearest girl, I love you and long for you. Tell me, dear, can't you feel me loving you even though you are so far away? And do you love me? I like to have you say so. And how much? But, ah! you are too far away. I can't hold you until you laugh and have to tell.

Every night and every morning I thank God that I have found the dearest, truest girl that ever was, and that she has given me her promise to be mine. Dearest, I think of it every hour. Nothing can ever separate us. Am wholly, wholly yours, and you are mine to love and cherish.

With a heart full of devotion, Yours ever, ALFRED HINMAN.

=238. Answer to the Above.=

M----, December 16, 19--.

Dear Alfred:--

My walk to the office this morning after papa's mail was well rewarded by your letter. Charlie Darwin was there posting eight dozens of his circulars. He is perfectly jubilant over his prospects, and he had to walk home with me to tell all about them. He said he was going along my way, and if I didn't mind, as it was very slippery--Of course I said I didn't, so I put your letter into my pocket and waited for a good time to read it.

It's very funny how you wear my letters out so soon. I wonder why they don't make note paper like the tough paper that is used in little Paul's Baby Goose picture book.

I had a fine time at our Church Fair last night. Mrs. Sullivan changed her mind at the last, and had me serve as Rebecca at the Well, while Maggie presided at the candy booth, just as she had wanted to. Guess how many glasses of lemonade I sold. One hundred and seventeen. Charlie Darwin drank eight. Do you think you could have swallowed as many as that, Alfred?

I am keeping up my practicing pretty well, that is, I practice an hour a day, except the days I write to you. Would you rather have me practice _every_ day? You know, I am keeping up my piano only because you are so anxious to have me, and I want you to be satisfied. People think I am getting on very nicely.

The sleigh ride was grand. All the girls went, and nearly all the boys. Phillip Small could not get permission to go. It was a perfect shame. Every one missed him. We had a fine supper at the Davidsons' old place.

Oh, Alfred, I wish you could come home for Christmas. It will be so lonely and dismal for you, away off by yourself, and it won't seem at all like Christmas here without you. How I long to see you! There is so much to tell. Do you remember last Christmas, dearest? Mamma is trying to send me to bed, so I must stop writing. But I haven't answered all your questions. Oh, Al. dear, are you never satisfied? What do you suppose Charlie said to me this morning? "Daisy, you're all heart--just one big heart." Doesn't that sound like him? And there wasn't anything to lead up to it. I was weighed last Wednesday at the butcher's. Guess how much? 122 pounds. There, mamma is calling. Good night, Al. But I was going to answer your question how much I love you. If Charlie and the scales spoke the truth I think about 122 pounds. But then, Charlie was only joking. He doesn't mean half he says. Do you think so?

Your affectionate DAISY.

=239. To a Lady to Whom the Writer is Engaged, Asking Her to Name the Day.=

N----, October 30, 19--.

My Darling Alice:--

Don't you think we have been engaged quite long enough to understand each other thoroughly, and do you see any good reason for delaying our marriage? I have not pressed you before on this point, but if you really love me as I think you do, you will consent to make me happy by naming an early day. Why should we not be married immediately after Christmas? this would give you time for any preparations you may have to make, while, as for myself, I should be quite ready to receive my dear little wife next week, if she would only come to me. Dearest Alice, will you consult your mother? I feel sure she will say I am right in asking you not to put off our marriage any longer. Cannot possibly get away from here for the next ten days or so, but do write and tell me it shall be as I wish.

God bless you, darling.

Your affectionate and devoted, ALBERT THURSTON.

=240. Answer to the Above (Favorable).=

F----, November 3, 19--.

Dearest Albert:--

Your affectionate letter touched me deeply. You asked me a very momentous question, to name the day of our marriage. Dear Albert, it shall be as you wish; your arguments are so convincing I can only feel that you are right, and say yes to all you propose. My mother also thinks that the 28th of December would not be too soon, and that I can make all my preparations within that time; therefore let it be the 28th. The period of our engagement seems very brief, indeed, but I have such perfect trust in you, and we know each other so thoroughly, that I need not postpone our marriage with the idea of seeing more of you, and can look forward to our passing a very happy life together.

Good-bye, dearest Albert; fondest love

From your own ALICE.

=241. Answer to the Above (Unfavorable).=

F----, November 2, 19--.

Dearest Albert:--

I only wish I could write as you suggest, but really there are many reasons against our marriage taking place just at present. We have, as you say, been engaged some time, but three months is, after all, a very short period in which to learn the tastes, feelings, and ideas of one who is to be life's dearest companion; besides, we have seen so little of each other, and I cannot help feeling that this period of our life is perhaps the sweetest and pleasantest we may ever experience. Married life will bring cares and responsibilities with it, and I would prolong my present happiness as long as possible. You must not be angry with me for saying this, dear Albert, or for being rather reluctant to exchange happy certainty for the unknown future. My mother will not influence me either way, but allows me to judge for myself. She will be happy to see you here when you can arrange to come to us for a few days, and you and I can then talk the matter over, and perhaps your arguments may prove more convincing than mine, in which case I shall give way.

In the meantime, believe me, as ever,

Your affectionate ALICE.

=242. From a Lady to Her Fiancé, Asking Him to Consent to the Postponement of their Marriage.=

N----, November 30, 19--.

My Dear Albert:--

A few weeks ago, when I promised that our marriage should take place in December, I fully intended to keep my word, but on consideration, feel compelled to ask you to let it be postponed for a few months longer. I have no good reason to urge for this delay--perhaps I am over-sensitive and anxious, but still, if you would agree to it I should be very grateful. It strikes me we entered upon our engagement rather hastily, and that I was persuaded against my better judgment to fix next month for our marriage. I think it will be better for both of us that we should endeavor to learn more of each other's tastes, and what each requires of the other. Your line of life is so decided that I wish to be certain it will suit me exactly, or that you would meet me in some degree with little concessions to my individual tastes. I have written to you out of the fullness of my heart, and trust you will not misunderstand me, or think I do not love you. My request is for a little more time, which I am sure you will not refuse me.

Believe me, dear Albert.

Your ever affectionate ALICE WHITE.

=243. From a Gentleman to his Fiancée, Complaining of Her Coldness.=

S----, February 10, 19--.

Dearest Alva:--

Do you not realize how miserable you make me by the way you have acted recently? You cannot suppose it is very pleasant for me to see you, day after day, encouraging the attentions of other men. At the party last night you appeared to prefer every man in the room to myself as partner. If you acted in this way with the idea of arousing my jealousy, let me tell you it is a very dangerous game to play at; but I imagine nothing so flattering to myself was intended, and that a love of admiration and indifference to my feelings were the motives that actuated you. If this is the case, it would be best for both of us that our engagement should be at an end; if, however, you are able to assure me that you meant nothing by your thoughtless coquetry beyond the amusement of the moment, you shall never again hear a word of reproach from me on the subject, and I will trust you as fully as before.

Believe me, dearest,

Your ever faithful and affectionate PHILIP DORRIMER.

=244. From a Lady to Her Fiancé, Complaining of His Indifference.=

C----, January 15, 19--.

My Dear Paul:--

For some time past I have been trying to make up my mind to put my anxieties into words, but have shrunk from doing so, hoping that perhaps it was all a mistake; now I can no longer delude myself into thinking this is the case. I feel you are very much changed, your manner to me at times almost amounting to indifference. Your letters are short and cold, and but few words of affection can be extracted from them. I am beginning to think you no longer care for me; perhaps this is what you wish me to understand. And yet it is hard to believe this of you; it must be that something or some one has estranged you from me, and that an explanation between us will put things on their former footing; anyhow, I give you now the opportunity of telling me everything, and implore you to be frank, as our future happiness depends upon our never allowing any misunderstanding to stand between us.

Believe me, dear Paul,

Your affectionate MADGE.

=245. From a Lady to Her Fiancé of Whom She is Jealous.=

W----, May 18, 19--.

My Dear Charles:--

May I hope that you will not think me foolishly exacting if I say that you have pained and hurt me by the attentions you so constantly offer to Mrs. Dunstable? I do not suppose you mean to vex me, and have no doubt it is more her fault than yours, but still I wish you would be a little less _empressé_ in your manner to her. You will think perhaps that I am jealous; it is not quite that, but yet I have a sort of feeling that you ought not to be so nice to her. You will not be angry with me for saying this, dear Charles; it is my great love for you that causes me to attach such importance to every look and word of yours, and to feel reluctant that other women should share them with me. You must not say that this argues a want of trust in you unworthy of us both; indeed, I do trust you, otherwise my self-respect would not allow me to write so frank a letter as this one is. Perhaps I have only to tell you what is in my heart for you to give me no further cause for--shall I say jealousy? although I have tried to leave this unpleasant word out of this letter.

Always, dear Charles,

Your loving LAURA.

=246. Answer to the Above (Protesting).=

W----, May 19, 19--.

My Dear Laura:--

I do not deserve, in any degree, the reproaches contained in your letter of yesterday, and am surprised at your permitting yourself to indulge in such feelings. Great as my attachment is, I must tell you, once for all, that I detest jealousy in a woman, and should soon cease to care for one who tormented me by repetition of such accusations. If, during our engagement, you are to feel aggrieved at my offering the slightest civility to any lady of my acquaintance, what chance of happiness is there in store for us in married life? I can see nothing but wretchedness ahead if you persist in giving way to this feeling; dismiss it from your mind, it is not worthy of you, and remember that perfect trust is what I expect and desire from the one who is to become my wife. I feel strongly on the subject, as so much alienation and misery are occasioned by unfounded jealousy.

Believe me, my dearest Laura,

Ever yours, CHARLES P. WORTHINGTON.

=247. Answer to No. 245 (Conciliating).=

W----, January 12, 19--.

My Dearest Laura:--

How foolish of you to underrate your own attractions so far as to think I could prefer any one to yourself! Do not entertain such a thought for a moment. My heart is wholly yours, and not a thought of mine is bestowed upon any one else. I did not in the least intend to convey anything beyond mere politeness by my attentions to Mrs. Dunstable; but if you think that I have inadvertently given you the least cause for uneasiness, you may depend upon my being very much on my guard in future, so as to avoid the faintest suspicion of a preference for the society of any young lady, save yourself, be she ever so charming.

Believe me, dearest Laura,

Your deeply attached CHARLEY.

=248. From a Gentleman to His Fiancée Acknowledging His Jealousy.=

P----, March 10, 19--.

My Dear Ethel:--

Do you really mean to break off your engagement with me? I can only suppose it is so from the way you allow Mr. Small to devote himself to you. It seems every one is aware he is paying you more attention than, under the circumstances, you ought to receive from any man except myself. Either he is ignorant of the engagement between us, or he is dishonorable enough to act thus in spite of it. If you have not sufficient regard for my feelings and for your own position as my promised wife, to put an end at once to any further acquaintance with Mr. Small, you will understand that I resign all pretensions to your hand; but should be sorry to think that you had changed so completely in the last few weeks as to care for me no longer. My sentiments have not altered towards you, in spite of all that has passed; and it rests with you to say whether you prefer that man to myself. I shall of course abide by your decision, and remain,

Yours very truly, GEORGE LINDSAY.

=249. From a Gentleman to His Fiancée Apologizing for His Unwarranted Jealousy.=

C----, August 10, 19--.

My Dearest Girl:--

I feel entirely satisfied, from the explanation you have given me, that my jealousy was unfounded, and I must ask for your forgiveness for having doubted you. Am afraid my accusations must have pained you very much, and I deeply regret writing as I did; but you are so good and gentle, am sure you will receive me into favor on my promising never to offend again in a like manner. You must not be very angry with me for fearing to lose what I prize so dearly, the love of my darling Helen.

Once more, dearest, forgive me, and believe me

Your devoted EDWARD.

=250. From a Young Lady to Her Fiancé Apologizing for Her Unfounded Jealousy.=

R----, September 10, 19--.

My Dearest Howard:--

I have been so wretched, of late, thinking you did not care for me as you used to, that the joy of receiving your letter, and learning that I still hold the first place in your heart, has been almost too much for me, and made me shed such happy tears. It is so hard to doubt one you love, and it seems that I have tormented myself quite unnecessarily all these past weeks; still you must admit there was some excuse for my making myself miserable. What was I to think from your silence, and from all that was said? Dearest Howard, believe me, I will never doubt you again, never, never, and shall always think you are the kindest, dearest, best, and truest of men, and that you are all my own.

Now and always,

Your loving ANNA.

=251. From the Mother of a Young Lady to Her Daughter's Fiancé, Concerning a Quarrel Between the Lovers.=

W----, April 12, 19--.

My Dear Mr. Felton:--

I well know how delicate a matter it is for a third person to interfere in lovers' quarrels, but as the happiness of my daughter is at stake, it is my duty as her mother to try and bring about a reconciliation between you. I will not question which of you is at fault; all I wish is to see the smiles return to my child's face, and tranquillity to her heart. She is evidently very unhappy, but tries to conceal it even from me. Dear Mr. Felton, if you really love her, as I am sure you do, you will come to Katherine on receipt of this letter, and you need have no fear of your welcome. Trusting you will not misunderstand the feeling that actuates me in thus writing to you,

Believe me,

Very sincerely yours, ANNA DURAND DE WITT.