Ethel’s eyes shone like stars. She looked up into his face and said:
“I care for you a great deal,—until you spoke I never knew how much. If you wish I will be your wife.”
Then Tom lifted her hand to his lips.
“I will make you as happy as I know how,” he said. “I had a feeling that I couldn’t keep my secret back after today. Come, dear, let us go and tell them all; and never under-rate yourself again.”
People stared at the handsome couple and at their beaming faces. Joy was stamped on their countenances and happiness shone from their eyes.
When they arrived home, Tom walked up to Mrs. Hollister, and kissing her he said:
“I have asked Ethel to be my wife. Will you and Mr. Hollister give her to me?”
Mrs. Hollister gasped.
“Why Tom! Ethel! Is it true?”
Ethel put her arm around her mother.