uestioner. Belton was in a dazed condition. He was
astounded at his own temerity in having deliberately planned to call
Miss Nermal to kiss him before that crowd or for that matter to kiss
him at all. However he decided to make a bold dash. He averted his
head and said, "Miss Antoinette Nermal."

All eyes were directed to Miss Nermal to see her refuse. But she cast
a look of defiance around the room and calmly walked to where Belton
stood. Their eyes met. They understood each other. Belton pressed
those sweet lips that had been taunting him all those many days and
sat down, the happiest of mortals.

Miss Nermal was now left in the well to call for some one to take
her out. For the first time, it dawned upon Belton that in working
to secure a kiss for himself, he was about to secure one for some one
else also. He glared around the room furiously and wondered who would
be base enough to dare to go and kiss that angel.

Miss Nermal was proceeding with her part of the game and Belton began
to feel that she did not mind it even if she did have to kiss some one
else. After all, he thought, his test would not hold good as she was,
he felt sure, about to kiss another.

While Belton was in agony over such thoughts Miss Nermal came to the
point where she had to name her deliverer. She said, "The person who
put me in here will have to take me out." Belton bounded from his seat
and, if the fervor of a kiss could keep the young lady in the well
from drowning, Miss Nermal was certainly henceforth in no more danger.

Miss Nermal's act broke up that game.

On the way home that night, neither Antoinette nor Belton spoke a
word. Their hearts were too full for utterance. When they reached Miss
Nermal's gate, she opened it and entering stood on the other side,
facing Belton.

Belton looked down into her beautiful face and she looked up at
Belton. He felt her eyes pulling at the cords of his heart. He stooped
down and in silence pressed a lingering kiss on Miss Nermal's lips.
She did not move.

Belton said, "I am in the well." Miss Nermal whispered, "I am too."
Belton said, "I shall always be in the well." Miss Nermal said, "So
shall I." Belton hastily plucked open the gate and clasped Antoinette
to his bosom. He led her to a double seat in the middle of the lawn,
and there with the pure-eyed stars gazing down upon them they poured
out their love to each other.

Two hours later Belton left her and at that late hour roused every