She came to the window
and saw Falcon, exquisitely dressed, drive off in his dogcart, attended
by the acclamations of eight boys. She saw at a glance he was gone
courting; her knees gave way under her, and, such is the power of the
mind, this stalwart girl lay weak as water on the sofa, and had not the
power to go home, though just then she had but one wish, one hope--to
see her idol's face no more, nor hear his wheedling tongue, that had
ruined her peace.
The exquisite Mr. Falcon was received by Rosa Lusignan with a certain
tremor that flattered his hopes. He told her, in charming language, how
he had admired her at first sight, then esteemed her, then loved her.
She blushed and panted, and showed more than once a desire to interrupt
him, but was too polite. She heard him out with rising dismay, and he
offered her his hand and heart.
But by this time she had made up her mind what to say. "O Mr. Falcon!"
she cried, "how can you speak to me in this way? Why, I am engaged.
Didn't you know?"
"No; I am sure you are not, or you would never have given me the
encouragement you have."
"Oh, all engaged young ladies flirt--a little; and everybody here knows
I am engaged to Dr. Staines.
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