The citizen. (Frederick City, Md.) 1895-1923, 1901-06-07
EXTENUATING
CIRCUMSTANCES
The Story of a Kiss.
| BY HORACE WYNDHAM. !!
Observation-Disclosures,
The Story of a Kiss.

1t was quarter to 10 on Saturday
night-a time when, standing as one does
on the threshold Of a new week. it is on.y
appropriate that new resolutions should
be formed. This, at any rate, was Ply.
lida's view of the matter, and no Sam.
day within my memory had ever hcea
permitted to join its predecessors unt
she had solcmnly registered a detcrmua.
ton to lead a "highcr and more purp
full life" for the future. From previous
experience knew that should be press
ed into subscribing to similar protc~ta
tons. 1t was therefore with no fcclin.
of surprise worthy of the name that
heard my departure prohibited, as on {;
date in question. made strategic move
mcnt, hat i'll hand, toward the door.
You mustn't 90 yet" observed Phyl-
Ida, laying a OBTAINING hand on my arm.
But my train will" protested
Never mind that-you can catch an
other"
resigned myself to the inevitable All
sat down again. The pause that followed
was broken by my companion
Il called you back because you'd for
gotten something" she remarked insinn-
atingly.
81 don't think so. My 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 kno>,
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 for
next week yet"
Quite 50; I'm afraid it slipped my
memory. Have you noticed how the win
is rising? | see that the meteorological of
fee says
"Hes-it will probably be fine if it
doesn't rain" broke in Phyllida Il don't
think we need talk about the weather.
though"
at is unspeakabc" l agreed.
Then perhaps you will give me your
attention for few minutes. Do YOU
know what day this is?'
Lit
10th of the month"
Yes, and it is also Saturday evening"
! returned my companion in deny it il
you can voice, "In a quarter of an hour
, or SO we shall enter on new week
should like to know. therefore, what your
resolutions for its proper observance are"
Il think. Phyllida." | remarked diplo-
matically, that it would be as we'll If you
would mention the more conspicuous Of
my moral lapses."
1T is time for self examination" she
replied severely. "Still, perhaps it would
be better if did as you suggest"
am afraid that Phyllida misread til
expression with which | received this re-
mark.
"You needn't look 50 relieved" she con
tinucd. I'm only going to tell YOU your
faults because | don't believe | should
get the truth out of YOU"
That is not the way to invite conf
dence," | replied with dignity "A mo-
mcnt ago and | was more than ready t
reveal the inmost workings of my mird
to you. As it is-well"-
Phylida rose from her seat and crossed
over to my side. Looking at the matter
lliPdIildllN cannot regard Hcr SuiS'-
qucnt action rs being strictly in accord
ancc with the dictates Of proprcty. II
was however distinctly tranquillizing-
and then there were no spectators.
Very 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 attra
tive it makes You. Well, what | want
you to do is 70 describe all the girls yaa'~-
fallen il love with since last Monda"'
IAN Of them|' | echoed. somewhat a..
concerted ut the unoXpcctcdness Of ~
demand.
Phyllda nodded acquiosccnce.
I'm afraid | shall have to 90 in ten
minutes" ! replied, looking at my wat.
Il suppose that means Won couldn't I'll
haust the list before T. o'clock" She av-
swercd sadly. "lm disappointed in y1-
and after all your solemn promises ta2"
II have no wish to deprive You Of ar~
legitimate grievance | returned "!"t
you wrong me in thinking
with INV onos"
"precisoIr"
ooh. I'm so clad" ebo ovclo.,, p