The Forrest City times., 1898-12-02
# hn Experiment #
NTHEN I dropped into Clarissa's s WV studio on that eventful morning,

AHEN l dropped into Clarissa's w studio on that eventful morning, l did not expect anything very event full to happen; much less was l con scious of the fact that l was going to join conspiracy "a deliberately, thought-out plot directed against the future of my nll-important self, and matched by Clarissa herself.
 During the five years that we had been comrades of the brush" nothing had occurred to mar our friendship, and we criticised each others daubs quite frankly and fearlessly; it is true that Clarissa had been a bit funny late ly, but that was partly my own fault. For she had made a study of a girls head for which I had a sneaking ad- miration and it seemed to particularly annoy her that always turned 10 that canvas. This morning l felt mischiev- ous, and stopped there longer than usual.
 "George!" I did not hear. "George!" (crescendo) No answer. "George!" (fortissimo.)
 Did you speak?" said I. looking startled. Clarissa stamped her little foot.
 T shall put that picture away alto gether if you come here incoming like this, and won't talk to me; what an i'm questionable fellow you are!"
 "Hoitytoity!" said. And pray, miss, why am so impressionable?
 "Well-(a pause)-you seem to be struck with every pretty face you see"
 "A mans privilege" interrupted.
 "-and--and with every sentimental tale you hear"
 "A sign of my good nature," said.
 and I do believe, if we had not been chums for so long, that could make you fall in love with me now if liked to try"
 l immediately became cautious. "You have very pretty face, Clarissa," l said, .'and 1 have no doubt that 1 should have fallen in love with you when we first met if you had only told me a sentimental tale!"
 Now, George" Gnpatiently), "let us be serious; are your feelings for me really so cold that you would not mind If firted with MT. Jones for a whole evening?"
 "Ten million Joneses would not move me, answered.
 "If that is the case" said Clarissa, firmly, i've will try an experiment. Let us drop our platonic friendship for time, and will see if cannot arouse in you the green-eyed monster"
 Its quite impossible" said. "l know all your faults, and you would not have the ghost of chance"
 powers. You do not imagine that am serious, and you are so conceited that you think you are impervious. How ever, will see if cannot succeed"
 "Clarissa, this is foolishness; it will break up all our camaraderie. Besides (a happy thouahD. you know you might fall in love with me-"
 "There!" exclaimed Clarissa. clap ping her hands-"didn't I say you were conceited? The idea is absurd!"
 "Absurd?" I sneered; ''very we'll, will accept your challenge, but mind you, Clarissa, can fiirt desperately, and if l am making an impression on you. will propose. What will happen then?"
 Then? Oh, nothing at all; we shall Just take Punch's advice and won't. But, of course, you will never screw your courage up to that point" Done with you!" I cried; land you will have to keep pretty wide-awake, because I shall reserve the liberty of flirting with other girls" Pooh! l shan't care. Now, George, please ge, and give me time to think it over. We yill commence our experi- ment tomorrow" As went chuckled to myself; what tirae l would havei I would make l eiarissa jealous and beat her at her own Eams.