f to his
mind if this mysterious person should prove a lady, even though, if a
gentleman, he _was_ many miles away. For Quimby, with all his obtusity,
had an inkling of the power of mystery, and was already far enough on
the road to love to be jealous.

Of these thoughts Nattie was of course wholly unaware, and chatted
gayly, now of the distant "C" and now of the coming Miss Archer, to
her somewhat abstracted, but always devoted companion.

CHAPTER III.

VISIBLE AND INVISIBLE FRIENDS.

With perhaps one or two less frowns than usual at the destiny that
compelled her to forego any morning naps, and be up and stirring at the
early hour of six o'clock, Nattie arose next morning, aware of a more
than accustomed willingness to go to the office. And immediately on her
arrival there, she opened the key, and said, without calling, just to
ascertain if her far-away acquaintance would notice it,--

"G. M. (good morning) C!"

Apparently "C" had his or her ears on the alert, for immediately came
the response,

"G. M., my dear!"

A form of expression rather familiar for so short an acquaintance, that
is, supposing "C" to be a gentleman. "But then, people talk for the sake
of talking, and never say what they mean on the wire," thought Nattie.
Besides, did not the distance in any case annul the familiarity?
Therefore, without taking offense, even without comment, she asked:

"Are we to get along to-day without quarreling?"

"Oh! it is you, is it, 'N'?" responded "C," "I thought so, but wasn't
quite sure. Yes, you, may 'break' at every word, and I will still be
amiable."

"I should be afraid to put you to the test," replied Nattie, with a
laugh.

"Do you then think me such a hopelessly ill-natured fellow?" inquired
"C."

"Fellow!" triumphantly repeated Nattie. "Be careful, or you will betray
yourself!"

"Ha, ha!" laughed "C." "Stupid enough of me, wasn't it? But it only
proves the old adage about giving a man rope enough to hang himself."

"Don't mention old adages, for I detest them!" said Nattie. "Especially
that one about the early bird and the worm. But I fear, as a _mys_tery,
you are not a success, _Mr._ 'C'."

"A very bad attempt at a pun," said "C." "I trust, however, you will not
desert me, now your curiosity is satisfied, Miss 'N.'?"

"Don't be in such a hurry to _miss_ me. I have said nothing yet to give
you that right," Nattie replied.

"Nevertheless, it's utterly impossible not to miss you.