The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1896-11-27

labbled i'm serious Iiterature.

dabbled in serious literature.
Nonsense, you know she can't; and
we're not going to discuss those silly
questions, we had much better settle
about the bridesmaids and where we
shall live. Wen live somewhere near
each other. won't we?"
''Yes, dear, of course. Chelsea is
nice, isn't it? George has married
sister there, though that might be a
drawback" answered Maud
1T would be-" assented Phyllis; 'Ar-
thur likes Campden HILL"
But after all, Phyllis, I'm not at all
sure / care enough about George"
"How annoying you are!" exclaimed
Phyllis. Just when everything was
settled. Look here, Maud; write him
a nice little note and ask him to lunch
or tea, or something; your mother
won't mind, or say you'll be at home on
Sunday, and then-then you can ar
range things, you know. That will be
the best way, for it is silly to pretend
you aren't in love with him."
'Shall | really write?" said Maud,
with show of hesitation.
Certainly; here are the paper and
pen and everything. Write it here. and
once
Maud succumbed to her friends deter
mination and wrote a acarefully-wordei
note to Mr.. Stratton, in which she gent
ly reproached him for not having been
to see her mother and herself lately, and
she said how glad they would be if he
came to lunch on the following Sunday.
Phyllis was satisfied with it, and
darling, everything will come right"
she said. How happy he'll be! Imay
call him George, too, mayn't / ~
Maud blushed and said she supposed
she might, and just then the servant
came in.
Take this To the post at once, please,
Jane" said Phyllis.
Yes. miss, and this letter has just
come for you." answered the maid,
Phyllis took the letter and the girl
left the room with Maud's note
Whom is your letter from? I seem
to know the writing" said Maud.
only from Ethel Jervis- Carter; she
does write to me sometimes about moth
ing in particular" answered Phyllis
She had not read many lines OF the let
ter before she gave little cry of dis
may.
Whats the matter 2" asked Maud, see
ing her emotion.
Nothing" stammered Phyllis. AT
least, nothing interesting; and dom I
believe it's true"
Don't be silly, Phyllis; tell me what
it -"
There; read it," said Phyllis, and
Maud read
You will be glad to hear of nv en-
gagement to George Stratton; you and
Maud know him, so you will understand
how happy am. We hope to be married
soon" Maud read more, she was very
pale.
Thanks" she said, giving the paper
back; lit is very interesting"
'Pm so horribly sorry" began Phyl
lis.
For having made fool of me? You
ought to be- said her friend, stonily
Il never meant" said Phyllis.
You made me write that wretched
note, L shall never forgive you," said
Maud, drawing on her gloves, and ris-
ing from her chair with the air of cast
ing the dust of her friends house from
her feet.
1T was mere suggestion" Phyllis
pleaded.
1T was extremely bad taste"
But you agreed with met
NO; it was entirely your doing
answered Maud. However. of course
| it does not really affect me at all"
"Of course not" said Phyllis.
Maud swept out of the room, went
home, and wrote a second note to Mr.
Stratton to congratulate him on the de
lightfui news she had just heard. ano
would he bring Ethel with him to lunch
on Sunday?
Phyllis remorsefully resolved that she
would never again try to provide con
ISOLATION for desolate friends-Madame