“He has made a very wise choice. She is that perfect darling of a Rose girl who couldn't speak her piece, and thought we all loved her when we laughed.”
“Well, don't let him get foolish ideas; that is all, my dear,” said the rector.
“Don't worry, Edward. I can manage him,” said Sally.
But she was mistaken. The very next day Jim proposed in due form to little Lucy. He could not help it. It was during the morning intermission, and he came upon her seated all alone under a hawthorn hedge, studying her arithmetic anxiously. She was in blue, as usual, and a very perky blue bow sat on her soft, dark hair, like a bluebird. She glanced up at Jim from under her long lashes.
“Do two and seven make eight or ten? If you please, will you tell me?” said she.
“Say, Lucy,” said Jim, “will you marry me by and by?”
Lucy stared at him uncomprehendingly.
“Will you?”
“Will I what?”
“Marry me by and by?”