She doubtless loves me, thought I, but of course she is not going to reveal it till I convince her of my sincerity. She has probably been annoyed with empty protestations of love from so many that she believes all men faithless, and my sudden and inappropriate declaration this afternoon was certainly not calculated to inspire any belief in its truth. She is a lady of too much tact and experience to discover the real state of her feelings till I have proved myself in earnest, and that I mean to do before another sun shall set. My horse, which she knows I prize so highly, will at least prove that I am not trifling.
I spent that night till bed time writing notes presenting her with Phlegon, and then tearing them up, till I almost despaired of getting one to suit me. Towards twelve o’clock, however, I completed one on the fanciest paper procurable, and, delicately perfuming it, laid it by till Monday morning, as the next day was the Sabbath.
Monday morning was the time I had appointed for my new leaf, but the excitement of sending my horse to Miss Carrover made me determine to put off the reform I had contemplated to next day.
After breakfast I told Reuben to take Phlegon, and go up to Mr. Pommel’s store and get the saddle I bought there Saturday.
“What chu want wi’ another saddul, Marse John? Dat one ole marse gin you rides better’n any saddul I ever sot on.”
“Go and do as I told you, and don’t ask so many questions. It is a side saddle I’ve bought, and I am going to give Phlegon away.”
“Gwine to give ‘way Phregon! What you ‘spect to do wid me, Marse John?”
“You are to attend to him still, and saddle him whenever the lady wants to use him.”
“Um-umph, dat’s gone by me!” he muttered, as he walked off to obey my orders.
After he had gone with my note the anxious suspense of waiting for the answer was immense. I went up in my room and tried to study, but it was in vain. At the end of half an hour I heard the clatter of hoofs under the windows, and found Reuben returned on my horse. His teeth were gleaming to the first molars as he gave me Miss Carrover’s note. I tore it open hastily, and read: