Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1901-03-06

wasn't quite sure that l was not reler'
ring to the old affair.
"If the story Is one | never heard
before" suspiciously. 81 should like to
hear It,"
"And does it not occur to you"
throwing back the robes so that she
might step into the victoria, that fate
has a special grudge against me!
Once was not enough. but 1t must be
twice."
"And she does not love you? Are
you quite sure? You poor fellow!'
She squeezed my hand kindly. shall
be candid with you" with the faint
est flicker Of coquetry In her smile.
"As in the old days." said |. glancing
over my shoulder to see how near the
others were. A groom is never to be
considered. "Yes. as in the old days."
"Well. have often regretted that !
did not accept you as an experiment"
Then ! knew that she did not under,
stand.
"You must not think | am jesting,"
said seriously. 1.-THE story Is Of the
bittersweet kind. The heroine loves
me, cannot be mine."
"Loves your" with a slight start
"How do you know?"
"She has told me so." lowering my
voice.
Frankness Of this sort to woman
who has rejected you has a peculiar
effect. The coquetry faded from her
smile. and there was perceptible con-
traction Of the brows. Her eyes.
which were looking into mine. shifted
to the back Of the groom. No, shall
never understand woman. She should
have been the most sympathetic wom-
an in the world. yet she appeared to
be annoyed.
whats all this between you and
Phyllis?" asked Ethel. coming up.
"There is nothing between her and
me-" said |.
"Well. there should be-" she retorted.
"That Is the trouble"
My observation was: Il have always
held that Immediately woman gets
married she makes it her business to
see that all old bachelors are lugged
out and disposed of to old maids"
81 shall never forgive that" Phyllis
declared; never"
"Then shall always have the exqui-
site pleasure Of being supplicant for
your pardon. 1t is delightful to sue
pardon of q beautiful woman"
Phyllis shifted.
"Forgive him at once" said Ethel,
"if only for that pretty speech"
Mr.. Holland pulled out his watch
suggestively.
"Well." said. II see that am keep
ing you from your lunch. Goodby,
then. till dinner. when shall continue
at length on the evils
civilian" interrupted Ethel, ad-
dressing the groom. "driye on"
And so they left us.
"Shall we go to lunch now" l asked
Of Pembroke.
"Yes." rather dreamily, l thought
"Do you know" with sudden anima-
ton, ''she is q remarkably beautiful
woman"
"Yes, she ls." After all. the sight Of
Phyllis had rather upset me.
81 had a glimpse Of her In Vienna
last winter" went on Pembroke. Il
never knew who she was"
"Viennaw exclaimed.
eyes. 1t was at concert. Her face
was indelibly craven on my memory.
asked a neighbor who she was, but
when l went to point her out she was
gone. | should like to see more Of her"
So Gretchen had been In Vienna. and
poor Hillars had never known.
| took Pembroke to the club that aft
ernoon, and we dallied In the billiard
room till time to dress for dinner. Din
ner came. But Phyllis forgot to ask
me about tn" story. at which | grew
puzzled, considering what | know of
womans curiosity. And she devoted
most Of her time to Pembroke. who did
not mind. Later we went to the thea.
ter-Some production Of Gilbert and
Sullivan. Whenever glanced at Phyl.
lis fell to wondering how Gretchen
would have looked in evening dress.
Yes. Phyllis was certainly beautiful.
uncommonly. For years had wor.
SHIPPED ut her shrine. and then-how lit
tie we know of the heart! was rath.
er abstmcted during the performance.
and many Of my replies went wide the
mark.
AS we were LEG wing the foyer Phyllis
said. lack. man has been staring
me out OF countenance."
"Pembroke" ! laughed.
"No And. moreover. the stare was
accompanied by the most irritating
sneer."
"Point him out to me when we
reach the street" | said. humoring
what thought to be fancy, "aud
I'll put head on him."
The sneer was probably meant for
an ogle Beauty has its aunoyanccs
rs well as its compenSalions. As we
came under the glare OF the outside
lights Phyllis hand frightened on my
arm.
Look! There he Is. aud he Is max
ing for u.s."
At the sight Of that face. with Its
hooked nose. its waXed mustache and
imperial, | took = deep breath and
held It, In the quick glance ! saw that
his right arm hung stitliy at his side.
| attempted to slip into the crowd.
but without success. He lifted his
hat. smiling into the astnnlshed face
of Phyllis.
"'rhe Princess Ilildpga"de"- But
with thoSn thrpp words rho Spntnncp