Virginia gazette. [volume] (Williamsburg, Va.) 1893-192?, 1899-02-04


Hngs' bell The white-capped maid
who answered my ring showed me By
her wide-opeh eyes thst my reputed
failing was well known even In that
quarter. left a message that my rose
gardens were at the ladies' disposal.
and fed.
That morning had put the finishing
touches on my new work, Roses and
Their Cultivation" and for want Of
something better 10 do began a novel |
Before I had proceeded far knew Il /
would never see publication. for II was
a partly imaginative account Of my
own AFFAIR. and as I progressed be-
gan 10 weave a little romance about
Phyllis and myself. a foolish thing for
an old bachelor 10 do. Of course. Then
I decided 20 wait. at a certain point
and let the situation develop itself
IL developed rapidly the next day;
In the morning ! received a daintily-
written note from Mrs. Sterling ex-
pressing thanks for the roses. and in
viting me 10 tea for that evening. l
accepted the invitation. IL is needless 70
relate. and IL may be Of interest % add
/ that did myself credit. They Jiscov-
cred that I was quite equal 70 such
q social function. ard I trembled not.
neither did grow purple in the face
and stammer."
Things went merrily for several
weeks. 1 saw my neighbors frequent
". and Phyllis and I often talked acros.
the dividing wall from our respective
gardens.
Then. when had rescued my reputa-
e
body by my own courage and persever-
ance. that courage failed me az the
critical moment.
How was I going TO inform Phyllis
that didn't want 20 be a bachelor
anv longer? was sure IL was matter
Of no consequence TO ner; I dreaded
10 appear iu the role OF an ancient
adorer. I'm not so old. after all.
could see Genevieve's mirth ready 90
break out az any unguarded moment
Mrs Sterling was evidently sympa-
thetic. but Phyllis-she was incifer'
ent. AS my only consolation finished
up that novel with a happy ending
placed e in one OF my little blue covers
and buried il away, with many sighs
IN a drawer Of my desk. with severa
others similarly bound. and straight
way forgot all about its existence.
One day Phyllis begged me 20 allow
her 10 read the original manuscript o
Roses and Their Cultivation" befor'
it was sent of 10 the publisher. De
I lighted 10 fulfil her wish. went q
my study and seized the desired vol
ume. which I gave 20 her. Then q hur
, ried 90 catch the afternoon train q
I q L. -.
10 transact there.
The next day. perceiving Phyllis il
= the summer house. I went over TO Sc
her. Before had been there SIX min
utes knew something was amiss. Sh
seemed embarrassed, and although sh
!. kept her face turned away could Sc
I that even her little ears were a dee
: pink Her voice. usually SO frank an
!. clear. responded 10 my commonplac
:, remarks in low. hesitating tones.
: "Wen. Miss Phyllis. did you enjo
the manuscript"
VERY much" came in scarcely aud
bic tones.
IF YOU care for It you may hav
that copy. as have another can sen
8 to the publisher" continued. chee
fully.
A pair Of startled eyes met mine an
I. a dazed voice repeated:
a The publisher? Surely. o, surel
Mr.. Gay. you never intend 10 publis
this!"
:. She held out my supposed treati'
on Roses" and. shades Of my snce
- tors, on close inspection l recognize
4, that novel. In my haste l had give
her the wrong manuscript
Phyllis was evidently angry. II ev'
= a bashful man was in a tight fix. I wa
first calmed her anger by explai
ing the mistake; told her had on
~ written the novel for my own anus
&c ment. for which imprudence | nc
humbly apologized; then, blind as
iP was. did not notice how sad her IA
), became as continued:
=" II never intended you 10 see il;
{, course it is all fiction. pure and sil
eu pie, especially simple. Every word
IL Action"
ne "Ol only fiction. Mr.. Gay?" :
I'D said. a trihe stiffiy.
er Then my good angel turned ray
'r light into my darkened mind for q
i swered promptly. with the courage
e my conviction:
no 1T is in your power TO make II tru
sc Phyllis. VIII you. dear?"
90 And she murmured Yes. Credit
in Chicago Tribune TO Exchange.
ed
es, Confederation of Catastrophe.
ny "Have you your rubber oversize
iat Marmaduke?" asked his wife, so
ice itOusly.
ese Yes, he had these.
ter Because" the dear little won