I will not weary you
with a description of the exhibition. It passed off in that school
pretty much as it does in others. The Delanys, however, had not
returned in time to be present, nay, the very last day of William's
stay had dawned, yet they had not arrived. William had written to his
mother that he would be home on a stated day, and not even for the
delight of meeting the mistress of his heart, the period of whose
return was now uncertain, would he disappoint her. William was engaged
in packing his trunk, when Dr. Keene, again the harbinger of good
tidings, entered his room.
"My dear Dulan," said he, "I have come to tell you that the Delanys
have arrived. You will have an opportunity of spending your last
evening with Alice."
William shuffled his things into his trunk, pressed down the lid,
locked it, and, hastily bidding his friend good-evening, took his hat
and hurried from the house. Being arrived at Colonel Delany's, he was
shown into the drawing-room, and was delighted to find Alice its sole
occupant. The undisguised joy with which she received him left
scarcely a doubt upon his mind as to the reception of his intended
proposals. After a few mutual inquiries respecting health, friends,
and so forth, William took her white hand in his, and said, or
attempted to say--I know not what--it stuck in his throat--and he
remained merely silent, holding the hand of Alice.
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