no!' cried Mr Tappertit, standing on tiptoe, as if by that means
he, in the street, were any nearer being able to stop the mouth of Miggs
in the garret. 'Don't!--I've been out without leave, and something or
another's the matter with the lock. Come down, and undo the shop window,
that I may get in that way.'

'I dursn't do it, Simmun,' cried Miggs--for that was her pronunciation
of his Christian name. 'I dursn't do it, indeed. You know as well as
anybody, how particular I am. And to come down in the dead of night,
when the house is wrapped in slumbers and weiled in obscurity.' And
there she stopped and shivered, for her modesty caught cold at the very
thought.

'But Miggs,' cried Mr Tappertit, getting under the lamp, that she might
see his eyes. 'My darling Miggs--'

Miggs screamed slightly.

'--That I love so much, and never can help thinking of,' and it
is impossible to describe the use he made of his eyes when he said
this--'do--for my sake, do.'

'Oh Simmun,' cried Miggs, 'this is worse than all. I know if I come
down, you'll go, and--'

'And what, my precious?' said Mr Tappertit.

'And try,' said Miggs, hysterically, 'to kiss me, or some such
dreadfulness; I know you will!'

'I swear I won't,' said Mr Tappertit, with remarkable earnestness. 'Upon
my soul I won't. It's getting broad day, and the watchman's waking
up. Angelic Miggs! If you'll only come and let me in, I promise you
faithfully and truly I won't.'

Miss Miggs, whose gentle heart was touched, did not wait for the oath
(knowing how strong the temptation was, and fearing he might forswear
himself), but tripped lightly down the stairs, and with her own fair
hands drew back the rough fastenings of the workshop window. Having
helped the wayward 'prentice in, she faintly articulated the words
'Simmun is safe!' and yielding to her woman's nature, immediately became
insensible.

'I knew I should quench her,' said Sim, rather embarrassed by this
circumstance. 'Of course I was certain it would come to this, but there
was nothing else to be done--if I hadn't eyed her over, she wouldn't
have come down. Here. Keep up a minute, Miggs. What a slippery figure
she is! There's no holding her, comfortably. Do keep up a minute, Miggs,
will you?'

As Miggs, however, was deaf to all entreaties, Mr Tappertit leant her
against the wall as one might dispose of a walking-stick or umbrella,
until he had secured the window, when he took her in his arms again,
and,