CHAPTER III.
VISIBLE AND INVISIBLE FRIENDS.
With perhaps one or two less frowns than usual at the destiny that compelled her to forego any morning naps, and be up and stirring at the early hour of six o'clock, Nattie arose next morning, aware of a more than accustomed willingness to go to the office. And immediately on her arrival there, she opened the key, and said, without calling, just to ascertain if her far-away acquaintance would notice it,—
"G. M. (good morning) C!"
Apparently "C" had his or her ears on the alert, for immediately came the response,
"G. M., my dear!"
A form of expression rather familiar for so short an acquaintance, that is, supposing "C" to be a gentleman. "But then, people talk for the sake of talking, and never say what they mean on the wire," thought Nattie. Besides, did not the distance in any case annul the familiarity? Therefore, without taking offense, even without comment, she asked:
"Are we to get along to-day without quarreling?"
"Oh! it is you, is it, 'N'?" responded "C," "I thought so, but wasn't quite sure. Yes, you, may 'break' at every word, and I will still be amiable."
"I should be afraid to put you to the test," replied Nattie, with a laugh.