The Strange Proposal
Page 27
Then it was over with a tender prayer. John had kissed the bride, and Mary Elizabeth was kissing her father, and everybody was stirring happily and milling around, trying to say how surprised they were, and rushing to congratulate the bride and groom.
There was so much merry laughter and talk going on that nobody heard the big, showy car drive around the house and stop before the door. That is, nobody but Sam.
He caught a glimpse of the enemy approaching up the steps and grinned to himself.
“Good night!” he murmured under his breath. “Just too late, as usual! But let him come! He can’t do any damage now.”
And Boothby Farwell, frowning at the sight of the family gathering, walked into the hall without ceremony and was in the midst of the living room, staring grimly about him, before he realized what was going on.
It was Mary Elizabeth who saved the situation.
“Why, Mr. Farwell!” she called cheerfully. “You’ve arrived just in time to congratulate me! How nice! Come over and meet my husband!”
Boothby Farwell, with a baleful glare at the bridegroom, walked over and did the proper thing, but severely, disapprovingly, and then with an offended glance about him, he turned and stalked out of the room.
Only Sam bothered to watch him as he strode down the steps, sprang into his car, and drove furiously away. Sam had to slip out on the porch after that, behind one of the fluted columns, and whistle. Then he heaved a sigh of utter satisfaction and whistled again. All was as it should be to his way of thinking, for the maid of honor had become the bride of John Saxon! What more was there to be desired?
GRACE LIVINGSTON HILL (1865–1947) is known as the pioneer of Christian romance. Grace wrote over one hundred faith-inspired books during her lifetime. When her first husband died, leaving her with two daughters to raise, writing became a way to make a living, but she always recognized storytelling as a way to share her faith in God. She has touched countless lives through the years and continues to touch lives today. Her books feature moving stories, delightful characters, and love in its purest form.