Very quickly, and with some earnestness, she returned: 'I have never thought you stupid, Mr.
Hendrickson.'" "Well?
And what then?
Did you compliment her in return; or say something to fill her ears with music and make her heart tremble?
You could have asked no better opportunity for giving the parting word that lingers longest and is oftenest conned over.

What did you say to that, Paul ?" "I blundered out some meaningless things, and left her abruptly," said Hendrickson, with an impatient sweep of his hand.

"I felt that her eyes were upon me, but had not the courage to lift my own and read their revelation." "Too bad! Too bad! The old adage is true always--'Faint heart never won fair lady'-- and if you are not a little braver at heart, my young friend, you will lose this fair lady, whose hand may be had for the asking.

So, I pray you, be warned in time.

Go to her this very evening.