Chapt. 70

"Before you all present here, most especially Mr. Frederick Woods, I, Mason Donovan plead to have your blessings and to let go off your daughter, Louisa Ariana Woods to the realm of my love, care, and affection. I do not want to make empty promises but I give you my word that I'll give her all that I've got." He turned to Louisa, took a step back, and gradually went down on a knee.

"It's been a short, yet a long time since we've known each other, Lou, and during all this time I've learned so many things about you and with you. You might think this is too early but I don't. I have made up my mind," he fished out a blue velvet ring case from his pocket.

"To spend the rest of my life with you," he opened the box to a shimmery diamond ring. "Louisa," he called. "Will you marry me?"

Louisa covered her mouth with a palm as the tears which had built up during his little speech finally rained.

"Say it!" Doris yelled from the crowd.

"Yes, say Yes, Lou," Elizabeth added.

Soon enough, all the wom