Breaking the Ice.
684 -ST., July 1, 18-.

I returned yesterday, from a brief trip
into Canada, my journey being most agreeable, only one little episode
breaking the monotony, as I neared home, which was this: in the
next seat behind me in the car sat a young couple who were evidently
regretting that their ride was so near an end. Though buried in my
reading, I could not avoid hearing much that they said. One question
asked by the young man made a striking impression on my mind.
"Maggie," said he, "we have now been acqnainted a good while; you
,know me, and I know you. I do not need to tell you that I love you
with all my heart; now do you love me?"
I knew the young fellow had taken that occasion, when the cars
were thundering along, so that he might not be knocked down by
the beating of his own heart. I confess to have been guilty of eaves-
dropping then. I listened intently for the lady's answer, but just at
that moment, as my ill luck would have it, another train came thun-
dering by us, and her voice was drowned in the noise. I got to think-
Ing like this suppose you and I were riding thus, and I should ask
precisely the same question; what would be your reply? I am very
curious to know what your answer would be, and shall await a letter
from you, with much anxiety.
Most Truly Yours,
ROLAND MILLS.
An Offer of Marriage.
DA48                               -  ST., Dec. 10, 18-.
DRAnST     ltTnA
1 have Intended, 0 how many times I when we
have been together, to put the simple question which I intend this
note shall ask; but although apparently a very easy matter to ask the
hand in marriage of one I so deeply love as yourself, it is no easy task.
I therefore write what I have never found corageIn my heart to
speak. Dearest, will you bestow upon me the great happiness of per.
mittingme to call you mine? If 1 have spoken this too boldly, you
will forgive; but I fondly hope that you will not be indifferent to my
appeal. I trust, If you answer this in the afrmative, that you will
never regret doing so. Anxiously awaiting your answer, I remain,
Yours Affectionately,
HARLAN DENTSTER.

Favorable Reply,
D67 -     ST., Dec. 10, 18-.
DEAR SiR:
Your proposal is quite unexpected to me, but It is made
with such candor and frankness that I can take no offence. I cannot,
In this note, give you a definite reply. Marriage is a very serious mat-
ter; and while I reard you with the greatest favor, I desire to consult
my near relatives, and consider the subject myself carefully for a few
days, ere I give you a final answer. I think I canassure you, however,
that you may hope.              Very Sincerely,
FANNIE KIMBALL

a FnryDe CAROLINE:

Letter from a Young Man who Proposes Marriage and
Emigration.
48 -     ST., April 16, 18-
DEtAR CLA. :
You have doubtless heard of my intention to go W, 6t
in the coming month. Though surrounded here with my reiatives and
all the many friends of my boyhood, I have an intense desire to try
my fortune amid new scenes, feeling that the fetters that now hind me
and seem to hinder my upward progrcss, will then be broken.
I shall sunder my ties with some regrets, but to commence my bsi-
ness career as I am desirous of doing, I must make the sacrifice; in
doing so, I do no more than thousands have done before me. In the
great broad fields of the growing West, a young man of rcsolution,
ambition, honesty, temperance, and perseverance cannot fall, I believe,
to better his condition much more rapidly than he can here; you
will, I think, coincide with me in this opinion.
Dear Clara, of all my farewells, none will be so sad to me as that I
shall bid to you. D,ar, dear Clara, you cannot be indifferent to the
fact that I have long devotedly loved you; and, at the hour of parting,
I feel that I cannot go without telling you my heart, and asking you if
I may not have your love in return. And now, while 1am asking,
will younot take me with my heart, and in turn allow nto be your
protector through lite?
Dearest, I am going to press my suit still further. Will you not be
mine before I go, and accompany me on my journey? I know this is
asking a great deal of you. To accept of this proposition is to take
you from a home of affluence, where you are surrounded with every
desired comfort. I have no right to ask the sacrifice; and yet I have
resolved to make bold before I go, and tell you all. If you accept my
offer and will consent to cast your fortunes with me out in the great
Sea of the Hereafter, I can assure you that no trouble or sorrow will
come to you through me, and that. as you will be my dear, dear com-
panion and sacred trust, so will I be to you all that lover and husband
can be.
Now, dearest, if you will accept my future as your own, and place
yourself by my side, accepting the sorrow and partaking of the joy
that is in store for me, you will make me the happiest of men. If you
assent, God grant that you may nlever regret your faith. Do not decide
the question hastily. The sacritice is such, In leaving home and kin-
dred, that you may not accept of my proposal even though you love.
When you have fully determined, however, please send the answer,
which I shall most anxiously await. Ever dear Clara,
Your Affectionate,
HENRY ADAMS
Reply.
172 - ST., April 16, I8.
DzAn HzNRT:
I can make a reply to your candid question at once.
I do not need to deliberate upon it long. I love you; I confide in you.
I will trust you; I will go with you; I will accept the love and the fu-
ture you offer. You may have many joys; you may experience some
sorrows. I will share and bear them all with you, trusting that patient,
earnest, willing effort may crown our labors with success. Believing
that God will guide and prosper us, I can only add, hoping to see you
soon, that I am                   Ever Yours,
CLARA DUNHA M

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