ut Bernard did not know of this. However he
soon got dog tired and sugested lunch by the mossy bank.

Oh yes said Ethel quickly opening the sparkling champaigne.

Dont spill any cried Bernard as he carved some chicken.

They eat and drank deeply of the charming viands ending up with
merangs and choclates.

Let us now bask under the spreading trees said Bernard in a passiunate
tone.

Oh yes lets said Ethel and she opened her [Pg 91] dainty parasole and
sank down upon the long green grass. She closed her eyes but she was far
from asleep. Bernard sat beside her in profound silence gazing at her
pink face and long wavy eye lashes. He puffed at his pipe for some
moments while the larks gaily caroled in the blue sky. Then he edged a
trifle closer to Ethels form.

Ethel he murmured in a trembly voice.

Oh what is it said Ethel hastily sitting up.

Words fail me ejaculated Bernard horsly my passion for you is intense
he added fervently. It has grown day and night since I first beheld
you.

Oh said Ethel in supprise I am not prepared for this and she lent back
against the trunk of the tree.

Bernard placed one arm tightly round her. When will you marry me Ethel
he uttered you must be my wife it has come to that I love you so
intensly that if you say no I shall perforce dash my body to the
[Pg 92] brink of yon muddy river he panted wildly.

Oh dont do that implored Ethel breathing rarther hard.

Then say you love me he cried.

Oh Bernard she sighed fervently I certinly love you madly you are to
me like a Heathen god she cried looking at his manly form and handsome
flashing face I will indeed marry you.

How soon gasped Bernard gazing at her intensly.

As soon as possible said Ethel gently closing her eyes.

My Darling whispered Bernard and he seiezed her in his arms we will be
marrid next week.

Oh Bernard muttered Ethel this is so sudden.

No no cried Bernard and taking the bull by both horns he kissed her
violently on her dainty face. My bride to be he murmered several
times.

[Pg 93]
Ethel trembled with joy as she heard the mistick words.

Oh Bernard she said little did I ever dream of such as this and she
suddenly fainted into his out stretched arms.

Oh I say gasped Bernard and laying the dainty burden on the grass he
dashed to the waters edge and got a cup full of the fragrant river to
pour on his true loves pallid brow.

She soon came to and looked up with a sickly smile Take me back to the
G