ANOTHER SURPRISE
After a delicious Christmas dinner the Bigelows came over. They welcomed
and embraced Nora. Mrs. Bigelow really seemed sincere on this occasion.
Mr. Casey liked them at once, especially Mr. Bigelow and Nannie.
"They'll make her happy all right. My girl has chosen wisely," he
thought.
Tom and Ethel went out together during Christmas week. They skated and
visited all the art galleries, enjoying every moment. They had many
serious talks, and Ethel took Tom to call on several of her friends.
The girls voted him delightful and Ethel was proud of him. They spoke of
Mattie Hastings.
"Tom, Patty will never get over it," she said, "of that I'm sure."
"Ethel, don't you see, Patty witnessed it, and the shock is indelibly
stamped on her memory. Time will help remove it--nothing else."
"But what a brave act, wasn't it?" continued Ethel. "Patty sends orders
for flowers once a week for her grave, and they say it looks very lovely.
And I even disliked her once. I said her eyes were too close together and
I misjudged her. Then I fairly hated Nora--think!--she who saved my life.
Each one has done something. What have I done? Whom have I benefited?
Who is better for having had me for a friend?"
They were sitting on a bench in the picture gallery of the Metropolitan
Museum Ethel looked very lovely. She wore a bunch of Tom's orchids and a
grey velvet suit. Her eyes were bright and her cheeks were burning red.
She was visibly excited. Tom saw that she felt her life had been a
failure.
"Ethel," he said, taking her hand, "think of the joy you have brought
to Aunt Susan. Can't you see how much happier she is today than when
you first knew her? Look at Nora. Through you she has changed from an
awkward girl into a cultivated and charming woman, engaged to a fine
young physician belonging to one of New York's oldest families.
Indirectly you are responsible for it all. Look at little Mary Hastings.
Through you she has been, or will be completely cured of her spine
trouble. And lastly, look at me, Ethel, you have brought sunshine and
happiness into my life. It is not always the big things that go to make
happiness. It is the small things as well; and in your sweet, quiet way
you have scattered light and joy in many paths. I had not intended, my
dear, to speak to you of my love. I wished to wait until I had more of
a name for you, and until you had come out and had a chance to choose
from many men more worthy perhaps than I, but I can not keep my secret.
I love you, dear, and I would have you for my wife. Can I hope? Do you
care for me a little?"
Ethel's eyes shone like stars. She looked up into his face and said:
"I care for you a great deal,--until you spoke I never knew how much. If
you wish I will be your wife."
Then Tom lifted her hand to his lips.
"I will make you as happy as I know how," he said. "I had a feeling that
I couldn't keep my secret back after today. Come, dear, let us go and
tell them all; and never under-rate yourself again."
People stared at the handsome couple and at their beaming faces. Joy was
stamped on their countenances and happiness shone from their eyes.
When they arrived home, Tom walked up to Mrs. Hollister, and kissing her
he said:
"I have asked Ethel to be my wife. Will you and Mr. Hollister give her to
me?"
Mrs. Hollister gasped.
"Why Tom! Ethel! Is it true?"
Ethel put her arm around her mother.
"Yes, Mamma, Tom has asked me to marry him and I said 'yes,' for I know
that you and Papa like him. Now you say 'yes'--do dear."
"Yes, I will say it gladly. Tom, I have always liked you and I'm sure
you and Ethel will be happy. I give my consent with all my heart," and
Tom took her in his arms and kissed her tenderly.
"Thank you," he said, "you have given me a precious gift. You shall never
regret it."
Then they sought Mr. Hollister and were closeted with him for a long
time, after which Grandmother and Aunt Susan had to be told, and lastly
Nora.
So that Christmas brought two engagements in the Hollister circle.
Ethel decided to finish college before marrying, and Nora her school. The
men had to be content.
"We'll have one more year at Camp anyway," said Nora. "I shall be glad to
spend my last single summer there."
"And Tom and Harvey will practically be with us," said Ethel. "Nora, are
you not a happy girl?"
"I am," said Nora.
"So am I," rejoined Ethel.