The record-union., 1899-11-05

friend. He told me and proved to me
certain things, and 1 wrote to the mar
I cared for with my whole soul and life
and told him that I didn't care for him
at all. 1t was my only way of saving
my pride, but It broke-no, not broke
froze my heart (smiles faintly). Not
so with him. He never wrote, and ]
never heard from him at all till I got
his wedding cards Curns to Mrs. F.
AGAIN.. That's all of the story there
is. Not much of story, is it? And
it's so like every one else's.
Mrs F.-And you never heard of him
again?
Phyllis-No, only indirectly (smiles
| and comes over to where Mrs. F. is
sitting and takes her hands,. Don't
look so serious, Ditha, 1 have opened a
closed book for you, and read you a
page or most of page. I am going
to close it again for good, though, and
marry Sir Herbert. I was very young
then, and very foolish, and sometimes
l feel that 1 have changed SO much that
now perhaps-I would not-care-
Mrs. Poor Phyl! (brushes her
handkerchief over her eyes,.
Phyllis (kneels down on the f1oor)-
Why-why, don't cry; for Gods sake
don't cry for me, Edith. I can't stand
/ it (chokingly).
Mrs. FL was just thinking how sell
fish I am in my great happiness. The
agony-the pain of others has never
reached me. can't conceive how ]
could accept misery.
| Phyllis (bitterly)-And yet misery
overtakes us all (rising). How tragic
we are getting; we might almost be
acting laughs forcedly). Now, per-
haps you will let me be. I have barred
my breast for you, more than I have
ever done for any one, but don't ask
me to tell you any more-just let me
be hard and cynical when 1 want to-
and put up with me, for at least |
care very much for you (softly), and
want your friendship.
Mrs F. (tenderly)-Dear, that you
will always have
| Phyllis-Always?
| ca maid enters with a card which she
hands to Mrs. F)
| The Maid-The lady's waiting in the
library, ma am.
| Mrs F. Cooking at card in her hand)
Mrs. Gordon. How tiresome! 1 must
see her a minute. Wait here for me,
Phyllis. exit Mrs. F. and maid Phyl-
lis leans back in armchair, musingly)
! Phyllis-Always-m friend. I won
der if she would really if she knew. She
cannot be anything but human. (Gets
up and moves around room restlessly;
picks up riding crop from table and
holds it in her handy What would she
say if she knew how often before !
have held this in my hands? What
would she say if she knew how often it
has been kissed by me because it was
his? What has made me want to see
him again? All, suppose there will be
keen pleasure in seeing his start of sur
prise. He has never mentioned my
name, so he doesn't know that Edith
and I We're schoolmates six years ago.
Heigho. 1 wonder-(stops and listens).
How my heart beats! Foolish! He has
probably grown fat and bald, and he
will say: "Ah, Miss Gay and be
commonplace. I shall thank my stars
for escaping, and begin to appreciate
Sir Herbert with 100000 year. (Goes
to glass, fierceiy) Phyllis Gay, there
are tears in your eyes. Positively, I'm
ashamed. Besides, he didn't care for
you; and now-(starts again. Tramp
ton Is heard whistling outside. Phyllis
shrinks into the corner and waits, her
hand pressed against her hearty.
| (Enter Frampton. He is man OF
about 30, with an intelligent head, care
lessly but well dressed, frock coat, top
hat, etc. He advances into room slowly