The citizen. (Frederick City, Md.) 1895-1923, 1895-12-06
IF it were enough for me TO

something STRUCK t1e III JnlS AaSl OD'
servation. laid down my hat.
Cad, so we shouldr said l. "Tha,
would be rather queer"
I'VE should have to stay in the same
house-even in the same room some
times!" And Flo's graceful back was
agitated with a shudder.
I'VE should" assented. II suppose
you wouldn't speak for the whole even
ing?"
I'VE should have to keep up appear,
ances, and seem to be friendly when
the servants were there-and-oh, il
would be awfulr'
l put my hands in my pockets and
surveyed Flo
"What should we have to do?"
asked, with curiosity.
Make a loathsome pretense of-ot
still caring for one another, suppose, -
said Flo, with groan of prospective
horror.
But what should we have to do?"
persisted | wanted details "Should
we have to talk?"
YES" snapped Flo.
"Should l." pursued, taking a
step towards Flo, have to kiss you?'
"oh, | suppose wonder why you
don't GOT
And would you have to kiss me?"
To this question | received no an.
swer at all. But was bound to ex-
tract one; could not leave the matter
unsettled. So rang the bell
What are you ringing fore" said Flo,
facing round suddenly.
FOR the footman," said l, nodding
my head.
Il should have thought you could
find your way out" and she right
about-faced again.
Then William opened the door.
Did you ring. sire" he asked, OBJ
serving. suppose. that Flo did not APP
pear 10 want anything.
Yes. William, rang. want"
ITS a mistake. William" came sud-
denly from the window.
NO. it isn't" said l. II must ask
Wilson"
Nonsense, Dick! It's only Mr. Van
sittart's Joke. William"
We'll, then" said l, "can we do it
without William? Ii SO, he can 60"
There was the slightest of pauses
Then Flo said
"le, YOU may so, William"
William, looking somewhat puzzled,
withdrew; and then Flo, muck flushed,
turned round once for all.
Il can't think" said she, "how you
can be so foolish. don't know what
you'd have done in another minute"
Il should" l answered, "have kept
up appearances.
Flo's lips twitched little. saw it
in a moment
1t is perfectly useless for me-" l OBJ
served, plaintively, ito try to escape
from you. Your resentment is not to
be relied upon for quarter of an hour.
am nearly heart-broken about Phil
ippa March"
Well, I'm most sore about Capt.
Worsley."
But" said l, I'm going to be man.
I'm going to forget Philippa and keep
my word to you. Will you put the cap
tain out of your hearth"
III try" said Cousin Flo.
Because you know IT, after we are
married, you speak of him with re-
greet"
Or If you seem to wish Philippa
had"
"All those terrible things will hap
pen"
49,. Yes l know l3o, ID Dick. A1Gvo really
I knitted my brows 1t was really a
serious question. l studied Flo's
features
I'm puzz led answered. You're
very charming, Flo, but"
IL don't trust you, Dick"
There was a long sad pause. Flo
held out her hand with a gesture of
farewell. Hooked in her eyes. took
the hand
1T is really best" said Flo gently.
Il suppose it is" said |, rather for
lornly, squeezing her hand.
Marriage is such an irrevocable
step" Flo reminded me-
We'll, anyhow, it's very trouble
some to-"
And if interrupted Flo, when it
was too late, when we awo,se to the
fact-No! G-good-by, Dicll!"
"Good-by, Flo" said much moved.
Thus we parted. took my hat, and,
without a backward glance, started
for the door
At this moment, curiously enough,
the door opened. William came in.
Please, miss" said he, teas ready
in the drawing-room."
Thank you, William" said Flo, in
very low voice.
William withdrew. stood medita-
lively in the middle of the room. Then
! put my hat down.
'HRng II" said |, resting my eyes on
Flo's face, I'VE shall always have the
servants!'
The servants?" murmured Flo, in
question.
why, yes" said |, and | began to
smile. And, if the worst comes to the
worst, we must" paused and took
Fio's hand again.
ave must what, DickP" she asked.
I'VE must" answered, rub alor q
on keeping up appearances"
We were disgracefully late for tea -
Idler.
The Care of Apple Trees.