Wired Love · Chapter 1 (2/2)

“Judge not others by yourself, and learn to speak when spoken to!” C replied to the unknown; then “To N.⁠—You know the more mystery there is about anything, the more interesting it becomes. Therefore, if I envelop myself in all the mystery possible, I will cherish hopes that you may dream of me!”

“But I am quite sure you can, with propriety be called Mr. C⁠—plain, as you say, I doubt not,” replied Nattie. “Now, as it is time for me to go home, I shall have to say good night.”

“To be continued in our next?” queried C.

“If you are not in a cross mood,” replied Nattie.

“Now that is a very unkind suggestion, after my abject apology. But, although our acquaintance had a grave re-hearse-al, I trust it will have a happy ending!”

Nattie frowned.

“If you will promise never to say ‘grave,’ ‘hearse,’ or anything in the undertaking line, I will agree never to say ‘cross!’ ” she said.

“The undertaking will not be difficult; with all my heart!” C answered, and with this mutual understanding they bade each other “good night.”

“There certainly is something romantic in talking to a mysterious person, unseen, and miles away!” thought Nattie, as she put on her hat. “But I would really like to know whether my new friend employs a tailor or a dressmaker!”

Was Nattie conscious of a feeling that it would add to the zest of the romantic acquaintance should the distant C be entitled to the use of the masculine pronoun?

Perhaps so! For Nattie was human, and was only nineteen!