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The cause of the outcry was very simple. Some of
the young men had provided themselves with an enormous
pumpkin, which, having hollowed it out, they
carved into the form of a terrible and threatening face,
with goggle eyes, frowning brow, and huge ogre teeth.
They had then fixed candles in the eyes, and raising it
on a stick, suddenly presented it at the window; at the
same moment, a young gentleman renowned for his
excellence in the department of animal-mimicry had
uttered a terrific roar.

The consequence of this manœuvre was first the
shrieks we have mentioned—then sundry fits of hysterics,
some fainting fits indeed. The first in point of suddenness
and violence was Mrs. Nina Lyttelton who seeing a
wicker couch convenient, and catching a glimpse of the
doctor, had fallen with a truth of representation and a
grace of attitude worthy of the highest admiration.

The doctor bending over her, applied the usual restoratives
with his usual ironical courtesy, and subdued
chuckle: but it might have been observed that his manner
had much changed toward the fair Nina.

At last she opened her eyes.

“Is that you?” she said smiling, languidly.

“Yes,” said he, very rationally.

“Oh, I was so frightened!”

“Those wicked boys!”

“What was it?”

“Why, nothing but a large pumpkin which they had
fixed with lights. How could you faint at that.”

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“Oh, it seared me so.”

“And your fright was pretty, on my faith. You faint
charmingly, Nina,” said the doctor in a low tone, almost
whispering.

The lady laughed.

“Doctor Thomas is very flattering,” she said with a
gay emphasis on the two first words of the sentence.

“He will break himself of that bad habit perhaps
when—”

“You stop; why don't you finish your speech.”

“When he is united—no, I mean when he is “the
happiest of men;” that is a prettier phrase.”

“Impudent!”

“Who—I?”

“Yes.”

“How am I, pray?”

“To presume to speak of our marriage as all settled.”

And she gave him a fascinating smile.

“Why, is it not?”

“No.”

“Good! I thought so, I knew I couldn't be mistaken.
As usual your no means yes.”

“You are unbearable.”

“What a charming pout you have, Nina! I now see
for the first time how much you have gained in beauty.”

“And you are much deteriorated.”

The doctor curled his mustache, with a flattered air.

“Well, when shall it be?” he said.

“What?”

“Our wedding-day, of course!”

“I won't marry you ever.”

“Say on Christmas eve, darling.”

“No! no! no!”

“I am the happiest of men!” exclaimed the doctor,
kissing her hand with an expression of deep delight.

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