The citizen. (Frederick City, Md.) 1895-1923, 1899-02-10

something better to do l began a novel.
Before l had proceeded far | knew it
would never see publication, for it was
partly imaginative account of my
own affairs, and as | progressed be-
gan to weave little romance about
Phyllis and myself, foolish thing for
an old bachelor to do, of course. Then
l decided to wait. at a certain point.
and let the situation develop itself.
1t developed rapidly the next day;
in the morning | received daintily-
written note from Mrs. Sterling ex-
pressing thanks for the roses, and in
viting Ne 10 tea for that evening. I
accepted the invitation, it is needless to
relate, and it may be Of interest to add
that did myself credit. They liscov-
cred that l was quite equal to such
q social function, ana trembled not,
neither did l grow purple in the face
and stammer."
Things went merrily for several
weeks. l saw my neighbors frequent
ly, and Phyllis and often talked across
the dividing wall from our respective
gardens.
Then, when had rescued my reputa-
ton from the clutches of Mrs. Pea
body by my own courage and persever-
ance, that courage failed me At the
critical moment
How was l going to inform Phyllis
that ! didn't want to be q bachelor
any longer? was sure it was matter
of no consequence to her; dreaded
to appear in the role Of an ancient
adorer. I'm not so old, after all. I
could see Genevieve's mirth ready to
break out at any unguarded moment.
Mrs. Sterling was evidently sympa-
thetic, but Phyllis-she was inciffer-
emit. AS my only consolation finished
up that novel with happy ending,
placed 1t in one of my little blue covers,
and buried it away, with many signs,
in a drawer of my desk, with several
others similarly bound, and straight
way forgot all about its existence.
One day Phyllis begged me to allow
her to read the original manuscript Of
"Roses and Their Cultivation" before
| it was sent off to the publisher. De-
lighted to fulfill her wish, went to
my study and seized the desired vol
ume, which l gave to her. Then hur-
ried TO catch the afternoon train to
the city, as had some urgent business
| to transact there.
The next day, perceiving Phyllis in
! the summer house, l went over 10 see
her. Before | had been there SIX min
utes knew some hing was amiss. She
seemed embarrassed, and although she
kept her face turned away | could see
! that even her little ears were a deep
| pink. Her voice, usually SO frank and
clear. responded to my commonplace
remarks in low, hestating tones.
well, Miss Phyllis, did you enjoy
the manuscript"
Every m1ch," came in scarcely audi
BILE tones.
IF you care for it you may have
! that copy. as have another can send
to the publisher" l continued, cheer
fully.
A pair of startled eyes met mine and
a dazed voice repeated:
The publisher? Surely, o, surely,
Mr.. Gay, you never intend to publish
! this!"
She held out my supposed treatise
| on Roses" and. shades of my ances-
tors. on close inspection / recognized
that novel! In my haste had given
! her the wrong manuscript!
Phyllis wa. evidently angry. If ever
bashful man was in tight fix, was.
first Gained her anger by explain
ing the mistake; told her had only
written the novel for my own amuse-
ment, for which imprudence | now
humbly apologized; then, blind as l
was, did not notice how sad her face
became as l continued:
81 never intended you to see it; of
course it is all fiction, pure and SIM
pie. especially simple. Every word of
it fiction"
20! only fiction. Mr.. GayP" she
said. trifle stiffly.
Then my good angel turned ray of
light into my darkened mind, for an
swered promptly. with the courage of
my convictions:
ut is in your power to make it truth,
Phyllis. Will you. dear?"
! And she murmured "Yes."-Credited
In Chicago Tribune to Exchange