El Paso daily herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1881-1901, 1900-09-22
WHILE A MAN LIVES.

could promise to think alike upon all SUBJ
jects or agree to differ pleasantly. We've
clearly demonstrated our ability to do
either tonight, SO there seems nothing for
it but to shake hands regretfully and
part, does there? And 1, for one, suffer
enough at the mere idea of saying goodby
to want to get it over quickly. Shall we
make up our minds to do it now, Phyl-
LISP"
"Just as you please" answered Phyllis
coldly, taking not the slightest notice Of
the world of tenderness and regret which
l had thrown into my voice for the last
sentence. cit is immateral to me what
you choose to do about it,
But she did not appear to be IN any
hurry about shaking hands, L noticed, and
my heart took courage again.
"Of course we shall both be a little
lonely for awhile" 1 continued, land it
will need the constant recollection of the
fact that we laid down our happiness for
the sake of our principles to console US,
but L suppose we shall get over it in time
and be glad we had the strength to part
before matters had gone too far. 1t will
be much harder for me than you," 1 fin
ished meditatively, because you will
have so many friends and lovers to con-
sole you, while Matilda Jorkins is the
only person can think of at present who
will try to console me-"
This last remark drew fire, as I had
expected it to do.
She'll talk you to death and let you go
hungry afterward," snapped Phyllis, who
cordially dislikes Miss Matilda.
Eyes, I confidently expect that she
will try my patience and love Of life sore
ly," 1 responded. But what else is left
for me to do? 1t is not good for man
to live alone, you know, Phyllis and aft
er having known and loved you I expect
1 shall have to-fy to the opposite ex-
treme," concluded, almost at loss how
to finish that sentence gracefully.
"And Matilda Jorkins is the only wo-
man 1 know of who is willing to own her
self defeated in an argument when this
phenomenon actually occurs" l began
again presently. 81 know she is capable
of this greatness of mind and soul be-
cause she'-
"Told you so herself" interrupted
Phyllis. 1 was obliged to admit tacitly.
that this was so. :
"And she thinks just as do about this
subject anyway" continued Phyllis in
great triumph a moment later.
"You mean you think you think just as
ing. Il felt tQlerably certain those ex::
trefne and almost unwomanly ideas
which you have expressed this evening
emanated from her brain rather than
from your own dear, little, loving heart,
Phyllis. But Matilda Jorkins," I con-
tinued, triumphant in my turn, would
not have hesitated at all about keeping
silence or changing the subject of con-
versation when it seemed that a quarrel
was imminent. But, then, she's differ
ent from some women. She says that
it is only the plain woman who has the
courage to keep silence or to give in and
own herself defeated, as a rule
"Oh, does she, indeed?" cried Phyllis.
tossing her head. well, she's plain
enough to know.
Phyllis herself is pretty, and some
times 1 almost think she knows it. I'm
sure she likes to be told so.
"a pretty woman. like yourself, for in
stance" 1 began again, with this certain
ty in mind, rarely knows enough to
yield an argument concede point.
she says. The pretty woman is too well
used to being obeyed and petted and fiat
tered for that"
.'Oh, indeed! Is she?" said Phyllis,
with sarcastic infection. well, Matilda
can't know anything at all about pretty
women, excepting by hearsay."
Now, if Matilda were in the position
of either of u.s. continued, passing over
that last remark in silence, "she wouldn't
hesitate n moment about declaring that
the subject of dispute didn't matter
trifie to us either way and that the opin-
ions we have both been expressing so ar
IDENTIFY and with such vigor were a long
way from being our real thoughts or
principles. But then Matilda" I con-
cluded, looking quite away from Phyllis.
sis a remarkable woman in many re-
spects, a remarkable woman indeed"
II don't believe she's remarkable at
ALL" cried Phyllis hastily. "Hosts and
hosts st Other women would do just the
Same when they came to think it over"
Pretty women, Phyllisr' questioned,
looking toward her now.
pretty women" said Phyllis didacti-
cally and blushing over.
would the prettiest and sweetest and
dearest little woman in the world be
willing to say all those things, to own
herself at least half wrong and to let the
whole thing go, Phyllis?' was my next
question. In order to make sure of the
answer given by her eyes as well as lips
I placed one hand under her chin and
compelled her to look up at me. The
next moment both eyes and lips were
hidden from sight against the breast Of
my coat
This woman would" was Phyllis
whispered admission, ''if-if the incest
and dearest and loveliest boy in the world
would say so too!'
Two seconds later everything was love
ly again. An hour and half later I was
saying goodby, not for all time, but mere
~ until tomorrow evening. Just as Phyl-
lis tucked my muffler in about my throat
most carefully and kissed her for doing
1t a troubled thought flashed across my
brain.
But, Phyllis" 1 whispered, OBTAINING
the little hands in both my own, we've
given up our principles for the sake Of
each other, haven't we? What about
the time when we declared such conduct
base and ignoble and unworthy of us
and when we vowed and all but swore to