"
I did not wait to hear Willie's reply, but, when I came down, prepared
for going out, the coachman was in waiting with the carriage. I was glad
that Willie was not to accompany me, for, since the evening he had
escorted me home, I had carefully avoided his society.
I was sitting that evening in the garden, in a kind of arbor, covered
with weeping-vines. I was deeply interested in the volume I held in my
hand, and was much surprised when Willie suddenly entered the arbor, and
took a seat by my side. I made a hasty movement to rise and leave the
arbor, when he addressed me saying,--
"Why is it, Miss Roscom, that you constantly avoid me, and treat me
with such marked coolness? I am sure I have not merited such treatment.
I have long sought an opportunity to speak with you alone, and now you
must hear me. Allow me to tell you that I have long loved you, with a
deep and true affection. Will you not become my wife, and thereby render
me the happiest of mortals?"
I was so much surprised by this unexpected declaration that it was some
moments before I could collect my thoughts sufficiently to reply. I at
length said,--
"Although deeply sensible of the honor you have done me, I must say in
reply, that I can never become your wife.
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