The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1901-11-06
EXTENUATlNG CIRCUMSTANCES.


q of a new week, it is only appro-
pirate that new resolutions should be
formed. This. at any rate, was
.Phyllida's view of the matter. and
no Saturday within my memory had
ever been permitted to join its pre-
decessors until she had solemnly reg
istered q determination to lead a
@'higher and more purposeful life' for
tine future.
"You mustn't go yet" observed Phyl-
Ida, laying a OBTAINING hand on my
arm.
. "Bur my train WILL" I protested.
'Never mind that-you can catch
another"
1 resigned myself to the inevitable
and sat down again.
81 called you back because you'd
forgotten something" she remarked.
81 don't think Sony overcoat is
in the hall. and I've got your letters
for the post all right"
"Its something more important
than letters" returned Phyllida.
,"Guess"
"Parcels?"
"No-nor kilograms, either. You
know perfectly well what you've
omitted to do. I'm not going to give
you the opportunity of making an
other silly remark, though, so I'll tell
YOU at once-you haven't made any
. good resolutions for next week yet
"Quite so-Im afraid it slipped my
memory. Have you noticed how the
wind is rising?"
"yes-it will probably be fine if it
doesn't rain," broke in Phyllida. 81
don't think we need talk about the
weather. though
"It is unspeakable," I agreed.
s'Then perhaps you will give me
your attention for few minutes. Do
you know what day this is?"
/ consulted my notebook. 1T is the
h5th Of the month
eyes, and it is also Saturday even
ing" returned my companion in
deny-it-if- -you-can voice. I'm a quar-
ter of an hour or so we shall enter on
q new week. I should like to know
therefore, what your resolutions for
Its proper observance are"
II think, Phyllida," I remarked, dip
1omatically, that it would be as
well if you would mention the more
conspicuous Of my moral lapses."
"It is a time for determination"
she replied. severely. "Still, perhaps
it would be better if I did as you
suggest"
"You needn't look so relieved" she
continued. "I'm only going to tell you
your faults, because I don't believe
] should get the truth out of you"
'"That is not the way to invite con-
fidence,' I replied with dignity. "a
moment ago and l was more than
ready to reveal the utmost workings
of my mind to you. AS it is-well-'
Phyllida rose from her seat and
crossed to my side. Looking at the
matter impartially, I cannot regard
her subsequent action strictly in &C
cor6ance with the dictates OF pro-
priety. 1t was, however. distinctly
tranQuilizirg-and then, there We're
no spectators.
every WE'LL" observed, as she re-
turned to her own chair, 'ask me any
thing you like"
"Now you're nice again." she an
swered smilingly. You can't think
how attractive it makes you. Well,
what want you to do is to describe
ap the girls you've fallen in love With
since last Monday"
"All of them?"
Phyllida nodded acquiescence.
"Im afraid shall have to go in
ten minutes" replied.
Don't be frivolous. Have you seen
any girl whom you liked very much
during the past week? Now, be
" candid. Examine yourself thoroughly"
81 have given the matter my atten-
tion," 1 ventured at length, land find
that have only erred and strayed in
one single instance"
"Ha" exclaimed my inquisitor
sharply, 80 you admit that you have
pGSI ulSUSuuN my, 10 YOU.
Don't make me regret my conf
dence," 1 pleaded. Il was not wholly
to blame, 1 assure you. The incident
occurred some time ago-three days
at least"
ITS ineXcusable," was the stern re-
tort. Il declare, you're not to be
trusted out of my sight for more
than an hour or two at time"
II only saw her for five minutes
or so,' l explained. Upon my honor,
Phyllida, you have no cause for alarm
on my account. 1 assure you that
nothing beyond a hasty kiss passed
between u.s."
WHAT she exclaimed-"You-you
kissed her."
"Only once" I answered soothingiy.
"You must consider 1 hadn't been in
troduced to her long"
ooh, this is too much"
"My own, you asked for frankness,' u
observed.
Yes, but not for callousneSs, too
Oh, how could you-how could YOU"
1T was quite easy" answered, re
assuringly.
what! You actually boast Of it
Why, you must be brazen"
Not at ALL" returned. Il am pained
that you should condemn me un
heard. You do not know all the cir
cumstances."
what oneS?"