Miss Madeline's Proposal Page #2

"Miss Madeline’s Proposal" by Lucy Maud Montgomery is a charming novella that follows the life of Miss Madeline, a sensitive and imaginative woman navigating the complexities of love and societal expectations in a small town. As she grapples with her feelings and the prospect of marriage, the story explores themes of independence, romance, and the pursuit of happiness. Montgomery's signature lyrical prose captures the nuances of human relationships and the transformative power of love, making it a delightful read for fans of classic literature.

• Short story

								

shyly displayed interest in her must have been purely professional.

"What a goose I was to be afraid he was in love with me!" she thought.
Aloud she said, "He says he will call tomorrow evening to receive your
answer."

"And, oh, what can I say to him?" murmured Miss Madeline in dismay.
She wished she had a little of Lina's experience.

"You are going to--you will accept him, won't you?" asked Lina
curiously.

"Oh, my dear, no!" cried Miss Madeline almost vehemently. "I couldn't
think of such a thing. I am very sorry; do you think he will feel
badly?"

"Judging from his letter I feel sure he will," said Lina decidedly.

Miss Madeline sighed. "Oh, dear me! It is very unpleasant. But of
course I must refuse him. What a beautiful letter he writes too. I
feel very much disturbed by this."

Miss Madeline picked up Thomas à Kempis, smoothed him out repentantly,
and placed the letter between his leaves.

       *       *       *       *       *

When the Rev. Cecil Thorne called at the old Churchill place next
evening at sunset and asked for Miss Madeline Churchill, Amelia showed
him into the parlour and went to call her mistress. Mr. Thorne sat
down by the window that looked out on the lawn. His heart gave a bound
as he caught a glimpse of an airy white muslin among the trees and a
ripple of distant laughter. The next minute Lina appeared, strolling
down the secluded path that curved about the birches. A young man was
walking beside her with his arm around her. They crossed the green
square before the house and disappeared in the rose garden.

Mr. Thorne leaned back in his chair and put his hand over his eyes. He
felt that he had received his answer, and it was a very bitter moment
for him. He had hardly dared hope that this bright, beautiful child
could care for him, yet the realization came home to him none the less
keenly. When Miss Madeline, paling and flushing by turns, came shyly
in he had recovered his self-control sufficiently to be able to say
"good evening" in a calm voice.

Miss Madeline sat down opposite to him. At that moment she was
devoutly thankful that she had never had any other proposal to refuse.
It was a dreadful ordeal. If he would only help her out! But he did
not speak and every moment of silence made it worse.

"I--received your letter, Mr. Thorne," she faltered at last, looking
distressfully down at the floor.

"My letter!" Mr. Thorne turned towards her. In her agitation Miss
Madeline did not notice the surprise in his face and tone.

"Yes," she said, gaining a little courage since the ice was broken.
"It--it--was a very great surprise to me. I never thought you--you
cared for me as--as you said. And I am very sorry because--because I
cannot return your affection. And so, of course, I cannot marry you."

Mr. Thorne put his hand over his eyes again. He understood now that
there had been some mistake and that Miss Madeline had received the
letter he had written to her niece. Well, it did not matter--the
appearance of the young man in the garden had settled that. Would he
tell Miss Madeline of her mistake? No, it would only humiliate her and
it made no difference, since she had refused him.

"I suppose it is of no use to ask you to reconsider your decision?" he
said.

"Oh, no," cried Miss Madeline almost aghast. She was afraid he might
ask it after all. "Not in the least use. I am sorry--so very
sorry--but I could not answer differently. We--I hope--this will make
no difference in our friendly relations, Mr. Thorne?"

"Not at all," said Mr. Thorne gravely. "We will try to forget that it
has happened."

He bowed sadly and went out. Miss Madeline watched him guiltily as he
walked across the lawn. He looked heart-broken. How dreadful it had
been! And Lina had refused twelve men! How could she have lived
through it?

"Perhaps one gets accustomed to doing it," reflected Miss Madeline.
"But I am sure I never could."

"Did Mr. Thorne feel very badly?" whispered Lina that night.

"I'm afraid he did," confessed Miss Madeline sorrowfully. "He looked
so pale and sad, Lina, that my heart ached for him. I am very thankful
that I have never had any other proposals to decline. It is a very
unpleasant experience. But," she added, with a little tinge of
satisfaction in her sweet voice, "I am glad I had one. It--it has made
me feel more like other people, you know, dear."
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