There once was a lad who, handsome and strong as he was, allotted himself no comfort in the realm of women, for he was a steadfast and upright sort of fellow who did abstain from the wanton pleasures that the world afforded. Though his intentions proved pure and his actions noble, he possessed in himself a quiet sort of manner that gave little assurance to anyone that showed him interest. Such was the case for Miss Porter, who felt strongly within her heart that he, Master Sawatzky, would make an excellent partner. Unfortunately, she also possessed a quiet manner that thus hindered her from showing him excessive favour. So they dwelt in exceedingly oppressive silence, he giving little occasion for hope, and she too timid to assume anything beyond acquaintanceship.
It so happened that there was an annual ball to be held on the twenty-fifth of the sixth month to honour those who had successfully passed through twelve years of education, at which Master Sawatzky was esteemed. Miss Porter, one year short of completing twelve, found herself not escorting Master Sawatzky, as she had hoped to, but the quiet and shy Master Rogers. She nearly concluded that all was lost when she espied the amiable Miss Penner clutching his arm. She remained determined, however, and displayed a brave face, attempting to prove to be equally amiable as Miss Penner.
The shadows grew long and the air cool, and Miss Porter conceded to accompany Master Rogers to a party of the dry sort. There did she find, to her delight, Master Sawatzky present, and bereft of his Miss Penner. Great as her joy was in the occasion, Miss Porter was still held captive to her petty little fears, and thus did not attempt to speak to him. It came about throughout the course of the evening that he and she found themselves situated beside one another, being warmed by the comforting blaze of a fire. It was, of course, he that instigated the polite conversation that ensued. Miss Porter, though attempting to appear engaged in his chatter, was slightly bewildered by his obvious effort to make her feel validated and entertained. You, therefore, can then understand her shock when from his mouth this proposal did proceed:
“Whilst thou do me the honour of accompanying me to yonder theatre for what is deemed to be a pleasant presentation?”
Miss Porter did not hesitate, lest her surprise be revealed, and replied, “It is agreeable to me.”
There is not much more to be stated concerning this event, for the evening quickly drew to a close. The guests gave their many thanks to the hosts, and Miss Porter was promptly taken back to her estate by Master Rogers.
When the morning sun had dawned the following day, Miss Porter found herself at quite the moment of crisis. She, knowing not why Master Sawatzky had decided to lend her his affections in such a manner and at such a time as he had, proceeded to lay her troubles on her good father and mother. Imagine her surprise when she was met not with the usual counsel, but shock that was nearly more intense than her own had been the night before.
“My fair daughter, I do believe there is a matter which your mother needs to discuss with you, for this did not happen of mere chance!” said her father.
Mrs. Porter could hardly contain her excitement, and ran up to her daughter exclaiming, “Most assuredly, most assuredly! Know you how highly your father and I think of Master Sawatzky? Though I formerly conceded to desist in pestering you with my desire for your engagement to him, I did not cease praying earnestly on the matter. On the evening before last, I presented one last request to our Heavenly Father that if He should so will it, Master Sawatzky would attempt to win your affections on the night of celebration. Therefore, my daughter, I find that, in all matters, my prayers have been diligently hearkened to and my happiness has been made complete!”
This confession from her own kin left Miss Porter in a curious state of astonishment mingled with fear, for she was by no means certain of Master Sawatzky’s affections for her. But, at the urging of her mother, she dictated and sent forth a lengthy letter informing him of her desire and inquiring of his.
The days that followed were of torment, for poor Miss Porter received no news either feeding or extinguishing her pitiful flame. Before long, the day on which he and she had agreed to attend the theatre came. Miss Porter mustered up as much courage as possible, for she knew not whether her letter had changed Master Sawatzky’s opinion of her. As he approached her, she scolded herself for being such a fool, for he was not alone. Now, you see, she thought to herself, he never had any intention of pursuing me at all. I have only succeeded in losing my most esteemed friend. The gentleman knows no other way to inform me other than to confound me by insisting upon bringing his younger brother.
Though the presentation at the theatre was well done, and though the company was still amiable, Miss Porter had entered into such a mind of defeat that she found very little pleasure in anything. Her mood was so horribly soured that when she received a letter later in the days that followed, she, at first, gave it little thought. Willing her mind to focus, she read the following:
Dear Miss Porter,
I received your letter last evening, and am admittedly shocked and ecstatic by its content. I confess that I have secretly desired your affections, but have not had the courage to confirm them. Please be assured that I feel as you do in every aspect. If only I had not been the fool and insisted my brother accompany us to the theatre. For this I must apologize, but only for a moment, for I believe we have more important matters to discuss at present.Sincerely,Andrew Joseph Sawatzky
Though her mind protested to this confession convincingly, Miss Porter could not help but be filled with the most severe joy she had ever been exposed to. Hope replaced doubt, and she forgave all the imagined faults she had ascribed to Master Sawatzky. As you might have expected, the fortunate pair did in fact enter into a most beautiful courtship, which, in time, progressed to a most timely engagement. Whether or not they lived happily ever after, we do not know, for theirs is a story which has not yet been finished.
