I always want some one _close by me_," she said, with a little shiver.
[Illustration: "I'M SO FRIGHTENED, MR.

FLUTTER," SAID SHE; "I FEEL, IN MOMENTS LIKE THESE, HOW SWEET IT WOULD BE TO HAVE SOME ONE TO CLING TO."] I hitched my chair about a foot nearer hers.

It thundered pretty loud, and she gave a little squeal, and brought her chair alongside mine.
"I'm so frightened, Mr.Flutter," said she: "I feel, in moments like these, how sweet it would be to have someone to cling to." And she glanced at me out of the corner of her eye.
"Dear Belle," said I, "would you--would you--could you--now--" "What ?" whispered she, very softly.
"If I thought," I stammered, "that you could--that you would--that it was handy to give me a drink of water." She sprang up as if shot, and rang a little hand-bell.
"Jane, a glass of water for this gentleman--_ice_-water," in a very chilly tone, and she sat down over by the piano.
Bashful fool and idiot that I was.

I had lost another opportunity.
After I had swallowed the water Jane had left the room.

I bethought me of the handsome present which I had in my pocket, and, hoping to regain her favor by that, I drew out the little package and tossed it carelessly in her lap.
"Belle," said I, "I have not forgotten that I spilled lemonade on your sash; I hope you will not refuse to allow me to make such amends as are in my power.