"What!" ejaculated Jimmy, and he felt his appetite going.

"Within a stone's throw of my house--and yours," added Alfred
triumphantly. "Think of our never having met her before!"

"I am thinking," said Jimmy.

"Of course she has been away from home a great deal," went on
Alfred. "She's been in school in the East; but there were the
summers."

"So there were," assented Jimmy, thinking of his hitherto narrow
escapes.

"Her father is old John Merton," continued Alfred. "Merton the
stationer--you know him, Jimmy. Unfortunately, he has a great
deal of money; but that hasn't spoilt her. Oh no! She is just as
simple and considerate in her behaviour as if she were some poor
little struggling school teacher. She is the one for me, Jimmy.
There is no doubt about it, and I'll tell you a secret."

Jimmy looked at him blankly.

"I am going to propose to her this very night."

"Good Lord!" groaned Jimmy, as if his friend had been suddenly
struck down in the flower of his youth.

"That's why you simply must come with me to the hop," continued
Alfred. "I want you to take care of her friend Aggie, and leave