" One really appeared so sincere in
her sorrow, that he vowed to himself he would ASK her tomorrow,--and not
one of the girls but would envy her lot, if this jolly old bachelor's offer
she got; for they never had dreamed of his playing the beau, or doubtless
they would not have treated him so. However, next day to fair Fanny's
amazement, she saw him approach as she stood at the casement; and he very
soon gave her to know his desire, that she should become the dear wife of
the squire. "La! now, Mr. Friendly, what would they all say?" but she
thought that not one of them all would say nay: she was flustered with
pleasure, and coyness, and pride to be thus unexpectedly sued for a bride.
She did not refuse him, but yet did not like, to say "Yes," all at once--
the hot iron to strike; so to give the proposal the greater _eclat_,
she said, "Dear Mr. Friendly,--you'd best, ask mamma!" Good morning, then,
Fanny, I'll do what you say; as she's out, I shall call in the course of
the day. Fanny blushed as she gave him her hand for good-bye, and she did
not know which to do first--laugh or cry; to wed such a dear darling man,
nothing loth; for variety's sake in her joy, she did both! "O, what will
mamma say, and all the young girls?" she thought as she played with her
beautiful curls.
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