ying with his
knife and fork, here interrupted.

"Fortunately, he never really knew," replied Cyn, while Nattie looked
somewhat gloomily at her goblet of coffee, in memory of the romance that
collapsed. "To continue this ower true tale!--Thus far all was
mysterious, enchanting, romantic. But now comes the dark sequel. One day
'C' called--bodily."

Mr. Stanwood started and looked quickly up at Nattie, who, without
observing his glance, murmured contemptuously,

"Odious creature!"

At this he turned with a perplexed look again to Cyn, who proceeded.

"Yes, an odious creature he proved to be. Only think, he had red hair,
and dreadful teeth, smelt of musk, wore cheap jewelry, and, in short,
was decidedly vulgar!"

"What!" exclaimed Mr. Stanwood, staring at her as if he thought she was
bereft of her senses. "What!" and he dropped his knife and fork, and
pushed his chair back violently, to the alarm of the Duchess, who was
immediately behind.

Cyn appeared astonished at his vehemence; but Nattie, too occupied with
thoughts of this newly-revived grievance to observe it, repeated,

"Red hair, all bear's grease, and everything to match!"

"Do you mean to tell me," Mr. Stanwood asked, looking at her earnestly,
and speaking with great energy, "that a person, such as you describe,
called on you and represented himself to be 'C'?"

"Exactly," Nattie replied; "first telling me he was going away to
substitute for a day, and then coming upon me in all his odiousness."

"The story seems to interest you," added Cyn, glancing at him
scrutinizingly.

Mr. Stanwood looked at her, at Nattie, mused a moment, and then burst
into a laugh, equal even to the one Quimby had caused.

"It does interest me," he said, as soon as he could speak; "very much,
indeed. It is really the best joke--considered from one point--I ever
heard. And, of course, after that day, 'C' was cut?"

"Indeed he was," Nattie replied, scornfully.

"The circuit was broken after that!" Jo added, technically.

"And a romance was spoiled in the first act," added Cyn, rising from the
now vanished feast.

"Poor 'C'!" said Mr. Stanwood, following her example. "Really, Miss
Archer, I have enjoyed this dinner better than any I ever had, and the
climax is the best of all!"

"I wish we might have such a feast every day!" said Jo, regretfully.

"And, except the damage--I don't refer to any done myself, I--I am used
to it, you know--I quite agree with you about the