"Oh, isn't it beautiful!" she exclaimed rapturously.
The table, with its corbeils of fruit, beautiful silver, floral pieces, snowy linen, fine crystal, the whole dominated by a superb electrolier, which cast color over all, was indeed a spectacle to delight and fascinate the eye. Jimmie was so overcome by the sight, that he nearly fell over the chair which the accommodating Oku held out for him. At last all were seated, Virginia at the right hand of the host, Fanny at the left, the shipping clerk at the other end of the table.
"Wine, Oku, the wine!" cried Stafford, while his guests began to nibble the dainty appetizers which preceded the more substantial dishes.
The little butler, quick as lightning, filled the glasses with foaming, hissing champagne. The host, his eyes fixed on Virginia, rose to his feet, glass in hand, while Jimmie, unaccustomed to such fine surroundings, and feeling rather out of place, looked up and stared. Slowly Stafford raised his glass. Impressively he said:
"Before we begin dinner, I have a toast to propose—"
Fanny and Jimmie looked up.
"A toast!" they cried in surprise.
Stafford, his eyes still on Virginia, went on:
"I have the honor of proposing the happiness of Virginia—my future bride!"
Virginia started and turned pale and red in turn.