“Don’t mention the money question, I implore you.”
“Yes, but I must mention it, because I owe at least ten thousand dollars, and have no money to pay with.”
“I wish it was five times ten thousand, then I would have the more pleasure in paying it.”
“Are you willing to take such a pauper, with all her faults and debts together?”
“I am willing to take the best, the noblest, the prettiest, and the most charming girl in America, if she is not afraid to trust her fate to my humble self.”
“Harry, there is my hand, and you have been the sole owner of my heart ever since we rolled down the embankment together, when you broke your leg to save my life. One promise I shall require you to make, and then I am yours forever. When you were so badly wounded a few days ago, I most solemnly promised God that if He would spare your dear life, that I would love and serve Him all the days of my life, and that I would endeavor to induce you to do the same. Now I promise to be your wife, if you will promise to make good the vow I made to God.”
“I do most willingly make the promise, and may the great Creator help me to fulfill it.”
“Did you not hear the gong sounding the summons to supper?” shouted Lottie, as she surprised her brother in the act of embracing Miss Bramlett. “Come along, and let us go down to supper; everybody is anxious to have the table cleared away so the dance can begin.”
CHAPTER XLII.
Three years after the “White Rose of Memphis” had accomplished her memorable pleasure trip, two elegantly dressed ladies were leisurely strolling along the graveled walks in Court Square, Memphis, Tennessee, engaged in an earnest conversation; while two mulatto girls were pushing a couple of silver-mounted baby carriages along just behind the two ladies. Each one of the handsome vehicles contained a very small specimen of sleeping humanity, richly attired in expensive and stylish clothes.