upon his proposal that he still fails to observe her. She stands back of the sofa, while he, gazing downward, kneels before it._) I'll say: "Divine creature! At last we are alone, and I--ah--I can speak freely the words that have been in my heart to say to you for so long--oh, so long a time." (_JENNIE appears surprised._) "I have never even hinted at how I feel towards you. I have concealed my love, fearing lest by too sudden a betrayal of my feelings I should lose all." (_Aside._) Now for a little allusion to the poets. Poetry, they say, is a great thing for proposals. "You know, dearest, you must know, how the poet has phrased it--'Fain would I fall but that I fear to climb.' But now--now I must speak. An opportunity like this may not occur again. Will you--will you be my wife?" [_JENNIE gives a little scream of delight._ [Illustration: "'DIVINE CREATURE'"] _Jennie._ Oh, Mr. Yardsley, this is so suddent like and unexpected, and me so far beneath you! [_YARDSLEY looks up and is covered with confusion._ _Yardsley._ Great Scott! What have I done? _Jennie._ But of course it ain't for the likes of me to say no to-- _Yardsley_ (_rising_). For Heaven's sake, Jennie--do be sensi-- Don't--say--Jennie, why--ah-- (_Aside._) Oh, confound it! What the deuce shall I say? What's the matter with my tongue? Where's my vocabulary? A word! a word! my kingdom for a word! (_Aloud._) Now, Jen-- _Jennie_ (_coyly_). I has been engaged to Mr. Hicks, the coach gentleman, sir, but-- _Yardsley._ Good! good! I congratulate you, Jennie. Hicks is a very fine fellow. Drives like a--like a driver, Jennie, a born driver. I've seen him many a time sitting like a king on his box--yes, indeed. Noticed him often. Admired him. Gad, Jennie, I'll see him myself and tell him; and what is more, Jennie, I'll--I'll give Hicks a fine present. _Jennie._ Yes, sir; I has no doubt as how you'll be doin' the square thing by Hicks, for, as I was a-sayin', I has been engaged like to him, an' he has some rights; but I think as how, if I puts it to him right like, and tells him what a nice gentleman you are (_a ring is heard at the front-door_), it'll be all right, sir. But there goes the bell and I must run, Mr. Yardsley. (_Ecstatically kissing her hand._) Bob!