s Nattie was fain to be content. But she felt great pity for
the poor fellow; perhaps because of the unhappiness in her own heart.

It is only from the depths of our own sorrows that we learn to feel for
that of others.

As Quimby and Clem entered, both Nattie and Cyn looked surprised and
curious, but Quimby, so excited now that his usual nervous bashfulness
was forgotten, said immediately,

"I--I beg pardon, I am sure, for calling so late, but my business will
not wait, and I wanted Clem as witness--he and Cyn--so as to make no
mistake now!" then turning to the astonished Nattie, he went on,

"Nattie, I--I--my feelings for you have long been of--of adoration--no,
please, hear me--" as she made a gesture to interrupt him. "To-night, in
this room, I addressed another--Celeste--" here he groaned, but
recovered himself and went on, "in the dark, you know, with words
intended for you. I want to know now, what, had I not been so deceived,
you would have said?"

"But what difference can it make now?" asked Nattie, hesitating, and
wishing to spare him, as he paused for a reply.

"Every difference!" said Quimby, wildly. "I beg you to--to answer me
truly, in order that I may know what course to take!"

"Then since you wish," replied Nattie, with a pitying glance, "I will
tell you that as a friend I think very highly of you, and always shall.
But, that is all."

"Then come on, Celeste!" exclaimed Quimby, in a burst of despair.
"She--she says, she loves me, and I--I may get used to it in time! all
but her teeth," he added, in his strict honesty, "to those I never can!"

Cyn felt a mischievous desire to hint that time might relieve him of his
objection, but restrained herself and said,

"But you can explain the matter to her, you know!"

"Just what I have been telling him," said Clem. "No woman would force
herself on a man under such circumstances!"

"She would, I feel it!" answered the unconvinced Quimby. "Miss
Rogers--Nattie, I--I thank you, I--I shall always remember you as
something unattainable and dear, and hope somebody more worthy may be to
you what I would have been if I could. But I--I was born to make
mistakes, you know, and I--I am used to it--and ought to be thankful it
was not Miss Kling!"

"I am very, very sorry!" murmured Nattie, and Clem saw there were tears
in her eyes.

"Moral--never make love in the dark!" said Cyn, looking with solemn
warning at Clem.

"Be sure that all--all the gas in the ro