A SECOND PROPOSAL
The day after Madeline's engagement two letters were handed to her. One
in Charlie's handwriting, short and affectionate; full of the exuberance
of the newly affianced, touchingly happy. The other one she opened,
feeling somewhat moved, as she recognised the handwriting of Rupert
Denison. To her utter astonishment she found it was four sheets of his
exquisite little handwriting, and it began thus:
"MY DEAR, MY VERY DEAR MADELINE,--The last note I had from
you--now nearly a month ago--came to me like a gift of silver
roses. I did not answer it, but during the dark days in which I
have not seen you, I have been learning to know myself. You
wondered, perhaps, how I was occupied, why you did not hear from
me again--at least I hope you did. ("I didn't, for I knew only
too well," Madeline murmured to herself.) Now I have learnt to
understand myself. Sometimes almost inhumanly poetic you have
seemed to me, and others; when I remembered your simple refined
beauty you suggested the homelike atmosphere that is my dream."
She started and went on reading.
"Madeline, do you understand, all this time, though perhaps I
hardly knew it myself, I loved you. I love you and shall never
change. It is my instinct to adore the admirable, and I know now
that you are the most adorable of creatures. No words can
describe your wonderfulness, so I send you my heart instead.
"I think, dear, our life together will be a very beautiful one.
It will be a great joy to me to lead you into beautiful paths.
How glad I shall be to see the bright look of your eyes, when
you greet me after this letter! What a perfect companion you
will be! Write at once. I have much more to say when we meet.
When shall this be? Your ever devoted and idolising
"RUPERT.
"_P.S._--I propose not to make our engagement public quite yet,
but to keep our happiness to ourselves for a few weeks, and be
married towards the end of the summer. What do you say, my
precious Madeline?"
Madeline was at once delighted and horrified. How characteristic the
letter was! Why had she not waited? There was no doubt about it, she had
made a mistake. Rupert was the man she loved--notwithstanding his taking
everything so for granted. Charlie must be sacrificed. But she must tell
Rupert what had happened, of course.
After sending a telegram to Rupert asking him to meet her at a picture
gallery, for she could not bear asking him to call until everything was
settled up, the bewildered girl rushed off to see Bertha.
* * * * *
Bertha took in the situation at once. Madeline had only accepted Charlie
in despair, thinking and believing that Rupert cared for another girl.
It was madness, equally unfair to herself and to Charlie, to go on with
the marriage now. Bertha quite agreed, though she grieved for the boy,
and regretted how things had turned. ... But, after all, Madeline cared
for Rupert and she could not be expected to throw away her happiness now
it was offered to her.
Bertha advised complete frankness all round. The only thing at which she
hesitated a little was Madeline's intention of telling of her engagement
to Rupert. She feared a little the effect on the complicated subtlety of
that conscientious young man. ... However, it was to be.
Fortunately no one as yet knew of the engagement except the very nearest
relatives. Madeline's mother would only regret bitterly that Madeline
could not accept them both, it being very rare nowadays for two
agreeable and eligible young men to propose to one girl in two days.
Nigel was furious and had no patience with these choppings and
changings, as he called them.
Charlie took it bravely and wrote Madeline a very generous and noble
letter, which touched her, but it did not alter her intention. She had
just received it when she went to meet Rupert.
* * * * *
The day which had dragged on with extraordinary excitement and with what
seemed curious length had just declined in that hour between six and
seven when the vitality seems to become somewhat lowered; when it is
neither day nor evening, the stimulation of tea is over and one has not
begun to dress for dinner.
At this strange moment Madeline burst in again on Bertha and said:
"Bertha, isn't it terrible! I've told him everything and he refuses me.
He's sent me back. He says if I'm engaged to Charlie it's my duty to
marry him. He's fearfully hurt with me and shocked at my conduct to
Charlie. Oh, it's too dreadful; I'm heartbroken!"
"Oh, what an irritating creature!" cried Bertha. "It's just the sort of
thing he would do. I'd better see him at once, Madeline."
"You can't; he's going to Venice to-night," said Madeline, and burst
into tears.