We have now reached that stage, in the progress of the courtship where budding affection, having developed into mature growth, encourages the lover to make

The Proposal.

When about to take this step, the suitor’s first difficulty is how to get a favourable opportunity; and next, having got the chance, how to screw his courage up to give utterance to the “declaration.”  We have heard of a young lover who carried on a courtship for four months ere he could obtain a private interview with his lady-love.  In the house, as might be expected, they were never left alone; and in a walk a third party always accompanied them.  In such a dilemma, ought he to have unburdened his heart of its secret through the medium of a letter?  We say not.  A declaration in writing should certainly be avoided where the lover can by any possibility get at the lady’s ear.  But there are cases where this is so difficult that an impatient lover cannot be restrained from adopting the agency of a billet-doux in declaring his passion.

The lady, before proposal, is generally prepared for it.  It is seldom that such an avowal comes without some previous indications of look and manner on the part of the admirer, which can hardly fail of being understood.  She may not, indeed, consider herself engaged; and, although nearly certain of the conquest she has made, may yet have her misgivings.  Some gentlemen dread to ask, lest they should be refused.  Many pause just at the point, and refrain from anything like ardour in their professions of attachment until they feel confident that they may be spared the mortification and ridicule that is supposed to attach to being rejected, in addition to the pain of disappointed hope.  This hesitation when the mind is made up is wrong; but it does often occur, and we suppose ever will do so, with persons of great timidity of character.  By it both parties are kept needlessly on the fret, until the long-looked-for opportunity unexpectedly arrives, when the flood-gates of feeling are loosened, and the full tide of mutual affection gushes forth uncontrolled.  It is, however, at this moment—­the agony-point to the embarrassed lover, who “doats yet doubts”—­whose suppressed feelings render him morbidly sensitive—­that a lady should be especially careful lest any show of either prudery or coquetry on her part should lose to her for ever the object of her choice.  True love is generally delicate and timid, and may easily be scared by affected indifference, through feelings of wounded pride.  A lover needs very little to assure him of the reciprocation of his attachment:  a glance, a single pressure of hand, a whispered syllable on the part of the loved one, will suffice to confirm his hopes.

Refusal by the Young Lady.