The times., 1899-08-27
The Wight of the reformation.

concert nall singers die every day And
yet is not this a sort of tragedy?
The Night of the Reformation.
Polly. /. he said, I'm going to talk to
you like Dutch uncle.
If you do" replied Polly, somewhat
triaingly, If you do I'm Dutchman.'
She looked at the man who was sharing
hotel parlcr divan with her. and laughed
expectantly. Serious talks are never
wsarisome when the taiker has no right
tc be serious, and advice differing from
any other form of gift, may always be ig-
nored. So Polly-kncUn TO the theatre
going pubic as Margaret Dunfries and to
] Edward Drake. in less grave moments, as
I Pcll-answered the preface OF her visa
Wis with Woman's jest, and, when he re-
fused 10 enjoy il, enjoyed il herself. In
which she was very sensible.
Polly, ne said. will you be quiet for
i've minutes, and listen to me2"
That depends" replied Polly.
And this was not a considerate speech
Fer though she had known the young
fellow only few months and that quite
long ago, he had been a friend of her
mother Then, tCo. he had Joined the or
ganization with which she was playing on
ly week before and, in consequence, de-
served tolerance. He was a wonderfully
good-looking chap who might have spent
I his hours pleasantly in the society of
any one of his new-found colleagues-and
would had Miss Dunfries' invitations not
been so persistent. But after Polly had
remarked that depends in a really sour
fashion she smiled, thus making amends
for everything. With girl smile is fit
recompense for a broken promise or a
broken heart.
Polly. he said. "Fve been paying a
great deal of attention to you since reach
ing Chicago" He rested his chin on his
hand and his elbow on his knee. leaning
toward his companion with the sternness
OF a Judge.
oh" replied Polly, in grave tones and
with twinkling eyes, this is so suddeu,''
And she laughed again-for a second.
Whether she stopped because her self-con-
stituted guardian seemed hurt or merely
because the reddish light of the fire showed
him 10 advantage may never be decided.
But she did stop.
you in New York, he remarked-this time
impressiyely. II was the usual kind of a
story about the usual old idiot, the usual
method OF attracting him and the usu-
al" He paused suddenly
Go on quoth Polly absorbed
There is no use." returned the actor.
1T was the usual story and didn't believe
Had a drink with him." suggested Polly
but amusedly. That's the way with YOU
men. II you put any faith in woman YOU
feel as though you were putting money in a
savings bank and expecI 10 draw interest
in the shape of self-congratulation. ever
after. 1t never occurs to you that honest
dividends of that sort are only won by an
investment In solid resentment" And she
initiated his pose.
On his continuing to dwell upon
your name" continued Mr.. Drake, calmly
punched him"
The phrase punched him. is not ele-
CANT, but ii is often used. Miss Dunfries
understood its meaning and thanked her
upholder with much gravity. And all this
occurred in New York she added, years
and years after the last time you saw me?"
7 remembered you as a dainty, simple
little woman he said.
Thank you again" replied Polly.
you needn't" remarked the amateur
pugilist. ITS about the change that has
been wrought in my simple little woman
that / want to speak" Girls being vain.
are sensitive. Polly flushed and remained
silent until she observed that her COM
paflion seemed worried at hearing foot
steps outside. Then:
Don't bother she explained. ''This is
a private parlor and we shall not be inter-
ruPted." There was a moments pause.
" nat the .UlGlltT Sue asked
''Yos are not sufficiently circumspect"
(which means-what?"
You are too familiar with the men in
the company"
Il Jolly them"
You firt''
"WeIl?"
'Well-Polly. firt is like a ieweled
bracelet from which each admirer plucks
a gem. The day comes when gems and ad-
mirers are both gone"
From what copybook did you select
that2" quoth Polly.
I'm trying to be serious he mourned
TRY again." said Polly. And then, as
he didn't, she added: What are your ex-
piicit chargesg"
You call everyone of the lot by his first
name"
I'm not prude"
You accept their invitations to supper"
I'm not fcoi'
you take hold Of them with the utmost
fearlessness."
I'm not sensitive plant"
And the other night at the door you
kissed young Wellman.',
"Jealousf'' asked Polly.
The self-constituted guardian rose In