A Treasure and a Story

Antique French glass boxes are favorites of mine. I wonder about the history of these beautiful objects. Who owned them? What did they hold?

I recently came across this sweet little box. It is the smallest antique glass box I have ever seen. I couldn't believe that the bright gold finish and pink silk cushion were still intact. It is only 1 inch long by 1.5 inches tall.

It's so small it fits into this larger glass box.

I've read that these glass boxes began as a tradition at balls. All the ladies were given a gift inside these small trinket boxes, as a souvenir of the night's ball. How romantic!

Now for the story:

Evangeline sank back against the satin pillows of the carriage. A gentle sigh escaped her lips as memories of the evening swirled in her mind.

Her father leaned forward and touched her knee. "Did you have a good time, my dear?"

"Why father, I will never forget this enchanted evening. Not in a million years!"

He chuckled and leaned back.

When they arrived home, she hurried up the stairs, clutching the tiny package her true love had given her as he left the ball. He made her promise not to open it until she was alone. She flew through the door of her room and ran headlong into Betsy her maid.

"I'm so sorry, Betsy! It's just that I . . ."

"It's fine, Miss. No harm done."

The maid closed the door behind her as she left. Evangeline twirled about the room and landed with a plop onto her bed. Without removing her gloves she untied the string that held the package. A piece of paper slipped out. And then she was holding the loveliest glass box. She gasped as she saw the glimmer behind the glass. She gently opened the lid, and there resting on pink silk was the most beautiful ring she had ever seen.

Her hand trembled as she picked up the note and read:

My Dearest,

There are no words to express the depth of my feeling. As I write this, my heart is flooded with the deepest love for you. A love so strong, even death could not quench its flame. Please say that you will be my very own, Beloved. Tell me that you will walk this precious life with me and make me the happiest of men. I await your answer below.

Below?

She rushed to the window and threw it open. There in the moonlight, a man sat upon a horse, his face upturned toward her window, awaiting her answer.