Page:The Atlantic Monthly Volume 1.djvu/674

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My Journal to my Cousin Mary.

[April,

dinner and began to go up the steps. I sprang across the street to him, and my courage came back when I looked upon his good sensible face. When he recog- nized me, he seized my hand, grasped my shoulder, and gave me, with the tears actually in his eyes, a reception that hon- ors human nature.

Such genuine friendliness, in an old, distinguished man, to a young fellow like me, shows that man's heart is noble, with all its depravity.

When he had gazed some time, almost in amazement, at my tall proportions, (he never saw them perpendicular before, you know,) he said,

" Come in, come in, my boy! Some one else must see you! But she can't be more glad than I am, to see you so well, that is, I don't see how she can, for I am glad, I am glad, my boy! "

Was not this heart-warming?

When we entered, he stopped before the hat-rack, and told me "just to walk into the parlor; his daughter might be there." I could not rush in impetuously. I had to steady my color. Besides, ought I not to speak to him first?

Mr. Winston took off his hat, hung it up; then his overcoat, and hung it up. I still stood pondering, with my hand upon the door-knob. Surprised at my tardi- ness in entering, he turned and looked at me. I could not face him. He was silent a minute. I felt that he looked right through me, and saw my daring in- tentions. He cleared his throat. I quail- ed. He began to speak in a low, agi- tated voice, that I thought very ominous in tone.

"You want to speak to me, perhaps. I think I see that you do. If so, speak now. A word will explain enough. No need to defer."

" I want your consent, Sir, to speak to your daughter," I stammered out,

" My dear boy," said he, clapping me on the shoulder, " she is motherless and

brotherless, and I am an old man. Noth- ing would give me more pleasure; for I know you well enough to trust her with you. There, go in. I hear her touch the piano."

He went up stairs. I entered. My eyes swept the long, dim apartment. In the confusion of profuse luxury I could not distinguish anything at first, but soon saw the grand piano at the extreme end of the rooms. I impetuously strode the whole length of the two parlors, and she rose before me with chilling dig- nity!

Ah, Mary, that moment's blank dis- may! But it was because she thought me some bold, intruding stranger. When she saw my face, she came to me, and gave me both her hands, saying,

"Mr. ! Is it possible? I am

happy that you are so well! "

It was genuine joy; and for a mo- ment we were both simply glad for that one reason, that I was well.

" You seem so tall ! " she said, with a rather more conscious tone. She began to infer what my recovery and presence imported to her. I felt thrilling all over me what they were to me!

But I must say something. It is not customary to call upon young ladies, of whom you have never dared to consid- er yourself other than an acquaintance merely, and hold their hands while you listen to their hearts beating. This I must refrain from doing, and that in- stantly.

" Yes," I stammered, " I am well, I am quite well." Then, losing all remem- brance of etiquette But you must di- vine what followed. Truly

" God's gifts put man's best dreams to shame! "

P. S. Kate will send you her cards, and Ada ours, together with the proper ceremonious invitations to the weddings, as soon as things are arranged.