But hear now; I
will work, and save, and wait a many years if at the end you will
take all I haf and say, 'August, I lofe you.' Do not laugh at me
because I say this in such poor words; you are my heart's dearest,
and I must tell it or never come again. Speak to me one kind yes,
and I will thank Gott in himmel for so much joy."
The pink domino had listened to this rapid speech with averted head,
and, when it ended, started up, saying eagerly, "You are mistaken,
sir, I am not Dolly;" but as she spoke her words were belied, for
the hasty movement displaced her mask, and Mr. Bopp saw Dolly's
eyes, a lock of dark hair, and a pair of burning cheeks, before the
screen was readjusted. With redoubled earnestness he held her back,
whispering,--
"Do not go mitout the little word, Yes, or No; it is not much to
say."
"Well then, No!"
"You mean it? Dolly! truly mean it?"
"Yes, let me go at once, sir."
Mr. Bopp stood up, saying slowly,--"Yes, go now; they told me you
had no heart; I beliefe it, and thank you for that No;" then bowed,
and walked straight out of the hall, while the pink domino broke
into a fit of laughter, saying to herself,--
"I've done it! I've done it! but what a piece of work there'll be
to-morrow."
"Dick, who was that tall creature Fan was parading with last night?
No one knew, and he vanished before the masks were taken off," asked
Dolly, as she and her brother lounged in opposite corners of the
sofa the morning after the masquerade, "talking it over.
Pages:
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73