The Forrest City times., 1891-02-27
PHYLLIS.

Edgar Merton wheeled sharply about and threw surprised glance in the di- rection of the door.
 | When he had said 'come in" in answer to the low knock upon it's panels. he had expected to see some one of his own sex enter.
 | But instead he saw. stanulng half timidly there in the doorway, one of fairest visions of sweet girhood that ever greeted any mans admiring eyes. 1 Dressed in plain and inexpensive garb, but neat and exquisitely tasteful in every detail, her small. supple figure seemed to have the graceful dignity of a young princess.
 The soft, fluffy fringe of hair curling above her smooth white brow was d light and shining brown, her eyes the deep dark tint of dewy, shaded wood. violets, and her dainty skin as iiawless as pure, white pearl.
 Bending forward slightly, and ex. tending to him the box of flowers as she spoke, Merton thought that among the hundreds of high-b bred, beautiful women whom he had met in the world of fashion there was not one so lovely as the fair, shy girl who stood before him.
 'Whyw he exclaimed, recovering himself after that momentary stare of wonder Il beg pardon, but I--I did not expect to see lady. 1 thought messenger boy would have brought, tie flowers, and"
 1t is very unusual for me to dc such errands, sir" the girl interrupt ed, slight flush coming into hei cheeks. But all the assistants in the shop were very busy, and Mir. Wood fern requested me to bring them. fear ing that you might be disappointed.
 'Oh, that's all right" he replied. with 8 glance that somehow, made the color burn more warmly in her cheeks. They're in good time, andn-opening the box and giving a rapid look at its contents-"my order filled exactly. I'm rather glad it did happen so. for with tiattering smile and bowl recognized you instantly as the beauti- ful girl whom l noticed in the shop this afternoon. 1 esteem myself most for tunate in having this opportunity to meet you; and if you will do me the honor to step inside and wait few minutes until"
 No. no. sir" she interrupted sud. denly recovering from the spell of as- tonishment in which she had thus far stood speeches.. If the flowers suit you there is no need for me to wait. Good-evening, sir"
 And with flashing eyes and height ened color she turned. with uncon- scious haughtiness, away.
 But my dear young lady" persist cd Mir. Merton. hastily following her out into the hall. Il was intending to drive you home. My carriage will bs here in five minutes. and---n
 He stopped abruptly there. for he saw that his words were falling on empty air.
 The graceful figure of the florists pretty assistant was already flying down the shallow, richly carpeted stairs, and, with muttered oath crushed between his teeth, Edgar Mer- ton strode back into his elegant bache- Tor apartment.
 ''Confound her prudery!" he grum- bled, genuine disappointment in his tones. She's the prettest little crea- ture I've set eyes on for years. and don't intend to give her up so easily. l thought little hattering attention would win her over; it does most of lem. but she-well she's different, that's all. So much the better'-with a dangerous smile creeping about the corners of his cruelty handsome mouth. Il shall prize my little beauty all the more for having had some trouble gain. ing her. Well. old Woodfern shall have my exclusive patronage hereafter, that's quite certain"
 And with low. satisfied laugh, he dismissed the subject from his thoughts for the time being; then, having rung for messenger and dispatched the flowers. with tender little note en. twined among them, to q fashionable belle of his acquaintance, he ran down. stairs to the waiting carriage, and was soon rolling luxuriously along through the illumined city streets to | brilliant evening at the opera.
 And Phyllis Payne, the pretty flow CT girl" as he had named her in his thoughts, was also hurrying along the city streets, but in quite a different direction, and on two little tired feet which had scarcely known moments rest all day.
 Her cheeks were ho and indignant. and the lire in her blue eyes burned angrily as she hurried on.
 Il will never do such an errand as that agan--never. never! 1 will give up my place first" she declared to her self vehemently. What bold, wicked smile that r,an had. and what an evil look in his black eyes! Oh, remember now how he stared at mo this afternoon when he came in to leave his order; wonder if he will come to the shop again? I-l am afraid couldn't be civil toward him any more. And then-then 1 should lose my place. of course. Oh, if Rob could only be here near me!n
 And as she thought of him-the brave. honest fellow away of in South America. to whom she had given her heart and the promise of her hand two years ago. and whom she could not hope to see for many long months yet. the tears rose up and quenched the Angry blaze in her violet eyes. and she told herself over and over, that come what would she must have patience to bear her drcary life until Robert Viv' ian should return to brighten It.