The Coconino weekly sun., 1896-10-01
A MERE SUGGESTION.
BY A. HOOD.

least three years older. But, of course, she was very careful not to give herself airs, or 10 unduly Haunt her happiness in poor Mauds face; indeed, she was really anxious that her friend should be as fortunate as herself. At least as for tuIate as was possible, for naturally there was only one Arthur in the world, and he was to be her own husband. But there were plenty of other men, really quite nice ones-she must see what sh, could do for Maud
 They were sitting together, Maud had come to tea with her friend to talk about her rousseau and the presents.
 "Ies, I am very happy" said Phyllis, presently; she had been giving Maud Il list of the wedding presents.
 "You must bel" said Maud. "That silver tea service is lovely! You are d lucky girl" and she sighed little.
 Phyllis was reminded of her friends lonely state. ''I do wish you were as happy, dear" she said. But I believe you will be very soon," ard she smiled meaningly.
 "Why? What makes you say that 2" asked Maud.
 Now Phyllis had meant nothing def nite, she only wished to be comforting, and vaguely to suggest. There was no actual prospective lover in her mind; but she could not bear to raise poor Maud's hopes only to destroy them tho next moment so she smiled again mys- teriously while sine ran over in her thoughts every probable suitor.
 '1wish you wouldn't look so knowing, Phyllis" said Maud, iupa,iently. "Who were you-whoIn did you mean?'
 'Ah, l mustn't say; besides it was only an idEa--a mere suggestion"
 Maud looked disappointed, and it dis . tressed Phyllis kind heart. so she said yielding to sudden impulse: Don't you think George Stratton seems rather? Don't you think so, dear? IL has struck me so several times"
 "Oh, nonsense. I'm sure I've never mo- . ticed anything-at least" and she paused and blushcd little. and won dered if Phyllis had any good reason for her suggestion.
 There. Now you know you have thought sol" said Phyllis, delighted to find she had made so good guess. Don't pretend you were blind, and he is such nice fellow, nearly as nice as Arthur"
 But I don't believe he means any thing; you know what men are," said Maud: and she sighed as she remem- bered the fickleness and fightiness of men, and she looked wistfully at her friend.
 Phyllis answered the look boldly. "Some men are," said she; "but not Mir. Stratton.'
 q don't know; he has always been very friendly, and all that, and perhaps if had encouraged him"
 "Why, of course; every man wants en- couragement. I expect he has been miserable" said Phyllis. And you do like him?'
 Maud put down her cup, and arranged the cushions at her back before she answered, and Phyllis felt quite anxious for her reply. q suppose l like him." she said at last, with proper maiden hesitation.
 Then why are you so horrid to him expect you've snubbed him dread fully"
 Phyllis was full of sympathy for the young man of whose devotion for her friend she was now assured Maud laughed; she imagined she had been cruel to Mr. Stratton.
 ''Oh, it won't hurt him!" she said, carelessly. q cant help laughing a: men when they say silly things, can you? Even Gcorge-Mr. Stratton."
 "Oh, call him George. I'm sure you think of him as George" Phyllis said, gayly. And I'm sure you would be awfully sorry if he went away and you never saw him again."
 q might get over it," Maud answered, with the light indifference of con- queror.
 "No, you wouldn't; you're really very fond of him. Now do tell me, dear, when did you first suspect he cared for you?"
 Maud could not give an exact date; indeed, had she told the truth she would have said five months ago;" but then that is what she did not do. She began to believe she had known of Georpe's attachment for q long while. The femi- nine imagination is such an adaptable thing that it can evolve a life. long devotion from the chance TO. mark of friend. So she answered carelessly: q hardly know; gradually. from different things. He was always nt the houses went to, at the Jervis- Carters. and-and everywhere"
 "You will be kind to him. won't you Mnnd? Wouldn't it be delightful if we were both married on the same day? said Phyllis.
 "Oh, there is plenty of time for that; besides, he may not care about me now, though"