"In fifteen minutes," said Alfred, "I had learned all about the
young lady's antecedents."

Having finished his soup, and resisted a childish impulse to tip
the plate and scrape the bottom of it, Jimmy was now looking
anxiously toward the door through which the roast ought to come.

"I'll tell you all about her," volunteered Alfred. But Jimmy's
eyes were upon Alfred's plate; his friend had not yet devoured
more than two spoonfuls of soup; at that rate, argued Jimmy, the
roast would reach them about the time that he was usually trying
to make his dessert last as long as possible.

"She is here with her aunt," continued Alfred. "They are on a
short visit to Professor Peck."

Jimmy approved of the "short."

"That's good," he murmured, hopeful that a separation from the
minx might restore his friend's reason.

"And Jimmy," exclaimed Alfred with glistening eyes, "what do you
think?"

Jimmy thought a great deal but he forebore to say it, and Alfred
continued very enthusiastically.

"She lives right in the same town with us."