I shall always have the pleasantest memories of Rivermouth." Here the conversation died a natural death.

Nelly sank into a sort of dream, and I meditated.

Fearing every moment to be interrupted by some member of the family, I nerved myself to make a bold dash.
"Nelly." "Well." "Do you--" I hesitated.
"Do I what ?" "Love anyone very much ?" "Why, of course I do," said Nelly, scattering her revery with a merry laugh.

"I love Uncle Nutter, and Aunt Nutter, and you--and Towser." Towser, our new dog! I couldn't stand that.

I pushed back the stool impatiently and stood in front of her.
"That's not what I mean," I said angrily.
"Well, what do you mean ?" "Do you love anyone to marry him ?" "The idea of it," cried Nelly, laughing.
"But you must tell me." "Must, Tom ?" "Indeed you must, Nelly." She had risen from the chair with an amused, perplexed look in her eyes.
I held her an instant by the dress.
"Please tell me." "O you silly boy!" cried Nelly.