ary accomplishment that he could thus move his ears.
Only by this was he set apart and superior to other beings. You shall
find of very many men but few able to do this thing. Moreover, if you
be curious in philosophy, it shall come to be fixed in your memory that
woman is disposed to love not one who is like to many, but to choose
rather one who is distinct, superior, or more fit than his fellow-men;
it being ever the intent of Nature that the most excellent shall
attract, and thus survive.

As Sam sat alone at the table, his spoon rattling loud upon his plate
in evidence of his mental disturbance, he absent-mindedly began to work
back and forth his ears, perhaps solicitous to learn if his
accomplishment had been impaired by the mishap which had caused him
other loss. As he did this, he was intensely startled to hear behind
him a burst of laughter, albeit laughter quickly smothered. He turned
to see Nora, his idol, his adored, standing back of him, where she had
slipped in with professional quiet and stood with professional
etiquette, waiting for his departure, so that she might hale forth the
dishes he had used. At this apparition, at this awful thought--for
never in the history of man had Nora, the head waitress, been known to
smile--the heart of Sam stopped forthwith in his bosom.

"I-I-I-I b-b-beg your--I-I d-didn't know you was there," he stammered
in abject perturbation.

Nora sniffed. "I should think you might of knowed it," said she.

"I d-d-don't b-b-blame you fer laughin', M-M-Miss M-M-M-Markley," said
Sam miserably.

"What at?" demanded Nora fiercely.

"At m-m-my air. I know it's funny, cut off, that way. But I c-c-can't
help it. It's gone."

"I didn't," exclaimed Nora hotly, her face flushing. "Your ears is all
right. I was laughin' at seein' you move 'em. I beg your pardon. I
didn't know anybody could, that way, you know. I'm--I'm sorry."

A great light broke over Sam. A vast dam crashed free. His soul
rushed forth in one mad wave.

"M-M-Miss M-M-Markley--Miss--Nory!" he exclaimed, whirling about and
facing her, "d-d-d-do y-y-you l-l-like to s-s-see me work my airs?"

"Yes, it's funny," admitted Nora, on the point of another outbreak in
spite of herself.

This amiability was an undreamed thing, yet Sam saw his advantage. He
squared himself about, and, looking solemnly and earnestly in Nora's
face, he pulled first his right and then his left ear forward until the
members stood