t I must say it, you
know. I must, or I shall--I shall explode and fly into atoms!"

Here Celeste gave a little scream, but he went on determinedly, making
the most of his "glorious opportunity."

"I--I am not like other fellows, you know! that is, I mean I have not
the--the brass, if I may so express myself, and I am always doing
something wrong--but I am used to it, you know--the question is, could
you get used to it? for I have a heart that is--that is honest, and that
beats all full of love--of--love for--you know who I mean!"

There was a murmured "oh!" from Celeste, as Quimby paused to wipe from
his brow the perspiration called forth by his arduous undertaking.

"What shall I do!" frantically thought the perplexed listener, divided
between the ludicrous part of the affair, and her desire to save him
from the dilemma into which he was rushing; "what _can_ I do? oh! if Cyn
would only come!"

But Cyn came not, and while Nattie paused, irresolute, and not knowing
what course to take, Quimby went on to his fate.

"I have thought, sometimes, that you liked some other fellow--Clem, I
mean--" Nattie felt herself blush in the darkness--"but I do hope not!
the thought has made me boil in secret often, and he loves Cyn, you
know--" Nattie's color left her face as quickly as it had come--"but
oh!" and he went down on to his knees with a whack that made the vases
on the mantel jingle. "Let me tell you what I tried twice before to say,
what is always in my thoughts! I--I adore you! the ground you walk on!
and have, ever since I first saw your nose! I--I beg pardon, but I fell
in love with your nose! and will you--can you tell me that you don't
love any other fellow--Clem, I mean--and share my little property, and
be--be Mrs. Quimby, you know!"

"Ah! really I--such a trying moment!--but dear, _dear_ Quimby, I never
cared for Clem, never only for you--and I am yours!"

With these words, Celeste precipitated herself into his arms, and the
next moment Nattie heard a crash as they both fell on the floor. The
sudden shock of recognition that then burst upon him, weakened him to
such an extent that he could not support himself, much less her, so down
they went!

"He must know who it is now!" thought Nattie, with a sigh of relief.

And meanwhile Celeste had picked herself up, but Quimby still remained
flat on the floor, bracing himself up by his hands on either side, and
staring at her, motionless. Fortunately it was too dar