"Love, Auntie!" interrupted Sam. "That's the word. It's short and to the point. Eh?" Quite undisturbed by the interruption, she continued: "And for the supreme pleasure it would afford me to see the house of Harris united to the house of Thorpe, I desire that you give me an example of the manner you intend to approach Virginia." The idea appeared so grotesque to Sam that he gave a slight inclination of his head, a habit he had somehow acquired in the "Desert," and exclaimed in startled emphasis: "Ea-Ah! How?" "By addressing me as you would her." With a smile broadening his face and a roguish twinkle of the eye, he exclaimed: "Can't be done, Auntie! You ain't the real thing. Can't work up any excitement over a counterfeit." "Sam! It grieves me to say that I fear for your success. Her rejection of your suit would mean humiliation for us. Therefore I insist that you remember what I have told you and address Virginia as I shall instruct you." Sam was too shrewd to oppose his aunt's determination--a previous experience having taught him the desirability of quietly agreeing with her notions, so with a smile of acquiescence he answered: "All right, Auntie! Fire away." Drawing herself up in a stately pose, she passed to the end of the room, turned, and again faced him. "Now, Sam, I request you to impress upon your memory every word I utter, so that you may salute your lady-love in a similar manner. Do you comprehend?" "I think so, Auntie," and thereupon thrust his hands in his trouser pockets. "Sam, remove your hands from your pockets. It is neither good form nor in accordance with polite usage, for a gentleman to bury his hands in his trouser pockets, when in the presence of a lady." "All right, Auntie!" and he grinned broadly as he removed the offending hands. With a most affable smile, yet maintaining a dignified carriage, she advanced down the room, halted midway, and gracefully bowed, then continuing, extended her hand, which Sam took. She again bowed and carried his hand to her lips; then taking both his hands in hers and looking straight into his eyes, smiled and said: "I am delighted to have the honor of congratulating Miss Thorpe on her safe return." She then released his hands and proceeded across the room. "Is that all?" came from Sam, in a burst of dismay. Mrs. Harris turned sharply and emphatically exclaimed: "Yes, Sam. In your conversation with Virginia beware of gushing familiarity. Nothing to my mind is more likely to jeopardize your suit than absurd vulgarity." So saying, she again turned and proceeded toward the door. "Auntie, I can do better than that. Why, you left out the best part." And his eyes twinkled mischieviously, while a laugh on his face was suppressed with difficulty. She turned quickly, and in much surprise exclaimed: "Dear me! I didn't know it. What is it?" "I will show you." With that Sam passed to the end of the room and turned. "Now, Auntie, I'll try to think that you are my sweetheart, Virginia."