out seven-thirty.

You wonder, perhaps, why I haven't written this direct to her? In
answering my own question I have a confession--yes, _two_
confessions to make. A poor excuse is better than none, and I have
sent the message to Ethel, through you, merely as an excuse for
writing you.

To my own surprise I have discovered that I have suddenly become a
moral coward, and am obliged to descend to subterfuges in order to
bolster up my courage. This isn't a usual thing with me, I think,
but neither is the occasion. I've been wanting and planning to tell
you something, face to face, for a long time; but at the crucial
moment my courage has failed each time. I could not nerve myself to
bear the possibility of the wrong answer.

Now I cannot put it off any longer and I am forced to tell you that
'something' in this manner. It is a simple message, dear, but it
has meant more than any other to the world through all ages, and it
means more to me than all the world, now. I love you, Rose,--I want
to marry you.

There is not anything more that need be said; you can imagine all
the rest that I would say if I were with you in person, as I shall
be with you in spirit as you read those words. I suspect that even
they were not necessary. You must have guessed my love, which has
grown steadily during these past three years, and have understood
why I could not speak it before. It was not merely that the ethics
of our relation forced me to keep silent; but I have felt, since
you are situated as you are, and Donald is still morally, if not
legally, your guardian and protector, I should speak to him first.
I have done so. My love for you was almost the first thing that he
heard about, on reaching home. And Smiles, dearest, he has gladly
given his consent to my suit and wished me luck.

Now that I have written the fateful message, my courage is
restored, in part at least, and I want to hear the answer from your
own sweet lips. I can scarcely wait to hear it, for presumptuous as
it is--I cannot help hoping that it will be the one I so desire. I
cannot help believing that you do care for me.

Please don't run away, dear. I want to see you, alone, as soon as I
reach Manchester.

With all my heart and soul I am