The DeLamar nugget. [volume] (DeLamar, Idaho) 1891-1900, 1897-01-15
A MERE SUGGESTION.
By A HOOD.

Phyllis was young and very happy,
and just little excited, and perhaps Il
trifie proud, because she was engaged
before her friend Maud, who was at
least three years older. But, of course,
she was very careful not to give herself
pirs. or 10 unduly Haunt her happiness
in poor Maud's face; indeed, she wa
really anxious that her friend should BIZ
as fortunase as herself. At least MS for
zunate as was possible, for naturally
there was only one Arthur in the world,
and he WIG to be her own husband. BIZ
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
como to tea with her friend to talk
about her trousseau and the presents.
ayes. 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 ten service is lovely! You are ii
lucky girl" and she sighed little.
Phyllis was reminded of her friends
lonely state. II do wish you were as
happy, dear" she said. but I believe
you will be very soon," and she smiled
n,raningly.
"Why: What makes you say that?"
asked Maud.
Now Phyllis had meant nothing def
mite, 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 thc
next moment; so she smiled again mys-
terious'v while she ran over in her
THOUGHTS every probable sutton.
"Iw'sh you wouldn't look so knowing,
Phyllis" said Maud. impnticntlv. "Who
werc~you--whom did you mean?"
"Ah.lI mustn't shy; besides it was
only In idca-a mere suggestion"
Maud Looked disappointed. and it dis
sressad Phyllis kind heart, so she said.
Yielding to sudden impulse: Don't
you think George Stratton seems
rather? Don't you think so. DEAR
1t hrS struck me so several times"
"Ch. nonsense, Tn sure I've never no
ticed anvthipC-at least" and she
"anseh nci blushcd little. and won
tcrcd II PHYLLIS had any good reason for
her Furrestion.
"Thcrc1 Now you know you have
thought SOL" said Phyllis, delighted to
1nd she Ind made so good n gucss
Don't pretend you were blind, and he Is
such a nice fellow, nearly as nice rs
Arthur
''But I don't believe he means any
thing; you know what men nre," said
Maud: md she sighed us she remen'-
hercd the fickleness and flightiness Ct
sncn. and she looked wistfully at her
friend.
PHYLLIS answered the look boldly
-Somc men are" said she; "but not Mr..
Stratton."
IL don't know; se has always been
@ery friendly, and all that, and perhaps
If had encouraged him"
"Why. ofaourse; every man wants en-
couragemcnt. I expect he has been
miserable" said Phyllis. And you do
like him?-
Maud put down her cup, and arranged
the cushions ut her back before sh,
answered. and Phyllis felt quite anXiou:
for her reply. al suppose like him,
she said ut last, with proper maiden
hesitation.
Then why nre you SO horrid TO him?
J expect you've snubbed him dread
fully"
Phyllis was full of sympathy for the
young man of whose devotion for he,
friend she was now assured. Maud |
laughed; she imagined she had beer
cruel to Mr.. Stratton.
"oh. it won't hurt himi" she said |
.carelessly. 81 can't help laughing
men when they say silly things, ca;
you? Even Gcorge-Mr. Strntton."
"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 SOW him ngainl"
"I might get over it, Maud answered,
With the light indifference of a con-
queror.
NO. yor wouldn't; you're really very
fond of him. Now do tell me, dear,
when did you hrst suspect he cared for
your
Maud could not give an exact date;
indeed, had she told the truth she would
ave said five months ago." but then
that is what she did not do. She began
to believe she had known of Georges
a attachment for a long while. The fcmi-
nine imagination is such an adaptable