The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1901-07-05
EXTENUATING
CIRCUMSTANCES
The Story Of Kiss.
BY HORACE WYNDHAM.
The Story of a Kiss.


1t was a quarter to IL on Saturday
night-a time when, standing as one does
on the threshold Of a new week, it is only
appropriate that new resolutions should
be formed. This, at any rate, was Phyl
lida's view of the matter, and no Satur
day within my memory had ever beer
permitted to join its predecessors unit
she had solemnly registered determine
ton to lead a "higher and more purpose
full life" for the future. From previou.
experience knew that should be press
ed into subscribing to similar protesta
tions. 1t was therefore with no feeling
of surprise worthy of the name that
heard my departure prohibited, as, ON the
date in question, made strategic move
ment, hat in hand, toward the door.
"You mustn't go yet," observed Phyl
Ida, laying OBTAINING hand on my arm.
But my train WILL" I protested
"Never mind that-you can catch an
other"
resigned myself to the inevitable and
sat down again. The pause that followed
was broken by my companion.
81 called you back because you'd for
gotten something" she remarked insinu
atingly.
81 don't think so. My overcoat is in
the hall, and I've got your letters for tn,
post all right"
Its something more important than
letters" returned Phyllida. Guess"
"Parcels?"
"N0-nOr kilograms, either. You know
perfectly well what you've omitted to do
I'm not going to give you the opportu
nifty Of making another silly remark
though, so I'll tell you at once. You
haven't made any good resolutions fol
next week yet"
"Quite so: I'm afraid it slipped my
memory. Have you noticed how the wind
is rising? see that the meteorological of
fee says
"Yes-it will probably be fine IL il
doesn't rain" broke in Phyllida. II DOM
think we need talk about the weather
though"
at is unspeakable," l agreed.
"Then perhaps you will give ME your
attention for a few minutes. DO yo
know what day this is?"
consulted my notebook. at Is TIL
18th of the month"
"Yes, and it is also Saturday evening,
returned my companion in a deny it ii
you can voice. "In quarter Of an hour
or so we shall enter on new week.
should like to know, therefore, what yOul
resolutions for its proper observance are?
81 think, Phyllida." remarked diplo
matically, that it would be as well il yor
would mention the more conspicuous OF
my moral lapses."
sit Is time for self examination" sh'
replied severely. "Still, perhaps it wOul,
be better il did as you suggest"
am afraid that Phyllida misread til
expression with which l received this re-
mark.
"You needn't look SO relieved" she con
tinued. "I'm only going to tell you your
faults because l don't believe l should
get the truth out Of you"
"That is not the way to invite conf
dence," replied with dignity. "a mo
ment ago and I was more than ready t.
reveal the inmost workings of my mind
to you. As it is-welP'-
Phyllida rose from her seat and crossed
over to my side. Looking at the matter
impartially / cannot regard her subse
quent action as being strictly in accord
ance with the dictates of propriety. II
was. however, distinctly tranQuillizing-
and then there were no spectators.
every WE'LL" observed, as she return
ed to her own chair. "Ask me anything
you like"
"Now. you're nice again." she answered
smilingly. "You can't think how attrac
tive it makes You. Well, what I war
you to do Is to describe all the girls you'v;
fallen in love with since last Monday"
CAN Of them?' echoed, somewhat dis
concerted at the unexpectedness of the
demand.
Phyllida nodded acquiescence.
"I'm afraid / shall have to go In TEL
minutes" replied, looking at my watch
81 suppose that means you couldn't ex
haust the list before IL o'clock" she an
swered sadly. 'I'm disappointed in yo'
and after all your solemn promises too.
81 have no wish to deprive you of an
legitimate grievance" I returned, "bui
you wrong me in thinking
''Then you haven't-er-you know
with any one?"
Precisely"
ooh, I'm so glad" she exclaimsc
brightly. 81 knew I could trust you. Y"'
can't think what a weight you've take
off my mind. though. Do you know
she added softly. 81 think l admire you'
frankness n. IRE than anything else"
81 hope Phyllida," answered proudly
that you will always find me meritin!
your good opinion in this respect. Sue
experiments as from time to time l hav'
conducted in the matter have ever con
vinced me that rigid adherence to trutl
Is the more excellent way"
"0ne should scorn resort to faisehooj
from higher motives than those of mere
| policy" rptorted Phyllida severely. "lsn'i
there proverb about it
81 have heard ID said that lie In tim
saves nine" observed.
"Don't be frivolous. or l shall think
you're not serious in your promise to bt
frank with me. Besides. I've got another
question to ask you. It's this-l dom
want you to mention any names, OF
course-but have you seen any girl whom
you liked very much during the mast
week. Now, be candid. Examine your
self thoroughly"
complied with the request. In fact
I did so with such completeness that my
companion thought 1t necessary to repeat
the question.
81 have given the matter my attention
I returned at length, land find that
have only erred and strayed in one single
instance"
"Haw inquired my inquisitor sharply
$50 you admit that you have been misbe
having. do you?
Don't make me regret my confidence,
l pleaded. 81 was not wholly to blame
assure you. The incident occurred SOM
time ago; three days at least"
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