They were visibly warming up. Alonzo moved his chair a little nearer, and possessed himself of Miss Callena’s hand. She did not draw it away nor repulse him. She even hung her head. Yes, the proud, educated, queenly Callena Johnson hung her head. Meanwhile, in the darkness of the doorway the form stood and glowered upon them. “Miss Callena, at a time like dis, I hates to talk to you about de o’dina’y things of life, but when anything se’ious arises, it is allus well fu’ de pahties to know each othah’s circumstances.” “You are a very sensible man, Mr. Taft.” “Call me ’Lonzo,” he murmured, patting her hand. “But, as I was going to say, it’s necessary dat you should know de circumstances of anybody who wanted to ax fu’ dis han’ dat I’m a-holdin’.” Miss Callena turned her head away and was silent. In fact, she held her breath. “Miss Johnson—Callena—what ’u’d you think of a nice cottage wif no encumbrances on it, a couple o’ nice hosses, a cow an’ ha’f a dozen of de fines’ hogs in Miltonville—” “An’ all o’ dem mine!” thundered the voice of the form, striding into the middle of the room. Miss Callena shrieked. Alonzo had been about falling on his knees, but he assumed an erect position with an alacrity that would have done credit to a gymnast. “Co’se, of co’se, Mistah Dunkin! I was jes’ a-comin’ to dat!” “I jes’ come down fu’ feah you’d fu’git to tell Miss Callena who all dem things ’longed to, an’ who’s a-layin’ dem at huh feet,” said Mr. Dunkin. “I ’low Miss Callena unnerstan’ dat,” said Mr. Taft, bobbing his head sheepishly. “I don’t remember that Mr. Taft explained this before,” said Miss Johnson, turning coldly from him. “Do have a seat, dear Mr. Dunkin.” Alonzo saw with grief that the idol of his heart had transferred her affectionate smiles to the rightful owner of the other property that had been in question. He made his stay short, leaving Mr. Dunkin in undisputed possession of the field. That gentleman took no further time for deliberation. He promptly proposed and was accepted. Perhaps even the romantic Miss Callena had an eye to the main chance. The day after the announcement of the engagement, he met his erstwhile lieutenant on the street. “Well, well, Mistah Dunkin, we winned huh, didn’t we?” said Alonzo. “’Lonzo Taf’,” said Mr. Dunkin, deliberately, “I fu’give you, but you ain’t de man I teken you to be.”