The Mount Holly news. [volume] (Mount Holly, Burlington Co., N.J.) 1891-1942, 1901-06-25
BY HORACE WYNDHAM
1-.-.~N-.-.~~..-.-~H-e-.-~A-o-..A~-s-..1

! day within my memory had ever been
permitted to join its predecessors until
she had solemnly registered determine
ton to lead 'higher and more purpose
full life" for the future From previous
experience knew that should be press
ed into subscribing to similar protesta-
tons. 1t was therefore with no feeling
of surprise worthy of the name that |
heard my departure prohibited, as, on the
date in question, / made a 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" 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. Ny overcoat is in
the hall, and I've got your letters for the
post all right"
cts 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 opportu-
nifty of making another silly remark,
though, so III tell you at once. You
haven't made any good resolutions for
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 if it
doesn't rain" broke in Phyllida. 81 don't
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 you
know what day this is?''
consulted my notebook. st is the
18th of the month"
''Yes, and it is also Saturday evening"
returned my companion in a deny it if
you can voice "In a quarter of an hour
or so we shall enter on new week. l
should like to know, therefore, what your
resolutions for its proper observance are|
Il think, Phyllida." | remarked diplo-
matically, ''that it would be as well if you
would mention the more conspicuous of
my moral lapses."
st is a time for self examination" she
replied severely. "Still, perhaps it would
be better if I did as you suggest"
l am afraid that Phyllida misread tho
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 I don't believe l should
get the truth out of you"
THAT is not the way to invite conf
dence," replied with dignity ga mo-
ment ago and / was more than ready to
reveal the inmost workings of my mind
to you AS it is-welP'-
Phyllda rose from her seat and crossed
over to my side. Looking at the matter
impartially l cannot regard her subse
quent action as being strictly in accord
ance with the dictates of propriety. It
was, however, distinctly tranquillizing
and then there were no spectators.
every well,' l 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 l want
you to do is to describe all the girls you've
fallen III love with since last Monday"
GAN of them 2" l echoed, somewhat dis
concerted at the unexpectedness of the
demand.
Phyllida nodded acquiescence.
"I'm afraid l shall have to go in ten
minutes" l replied, looking at my watch.
81 suppose that means you couldn't ex
haust the list before II O'clock" she an
swered sadly I'm disappointed in you
and after all your solemn promises too"
81 have no wish to deprive you of any
legitimate grievance" l returned, "but
you wrong me in thinking
"Then you hayen't-er-you know
with any one?"
Precisely"
"Oh, Pm so glad" she exclaimed
brightly. 81 knew could trust you. You
can't think what a weight you've taken
off my mird, though. Dosyou know"
she added softly, 81 think l admire your
frankness more than anything else"
81 hope, Phyllida," | answered proudly,
''that you will always find me meriting
your good opinion in this respect. Such
experiments as from time to time | have
conducted in the matter have ever con
WINGED me that a rigid adherence to truth
is the more excellent way"
"One should scorn resort to falsehood
from higher motives than those of mere
policy" retorted Phyllida severely. isn't
there a proverb about it?"
81 have heard it said that lie in time
saves nine" observed.
Don't be frivolous. or l shall think
you're not serious in your promise to be
frank with me. Besides, I've got another
question to ask you. It's this-l don't
want you to mention any names, Of
course-but have you seen any girl whom
you liked very much during the past
week? Now. be candid. Examine your
self thoroughly"
| complied with the request. In fact,
l did so with such completeness that my
companion thought it necessary to repeat
the question.
81 have given the matter my attention"
/ returned at length, "and find that
have only erred and strayed in one single
instance"
"Har' inquired my inquisitor sharply.
$50 you admit that you have been misbe-
having, do your?
Don't make me regret my confidence"
l pleaded. 81 was not wholly to blame,
assure you The incident occurred some
time ago; three days at least"
Its inexcusable," was the stern re-
tort. 81 declare, you're not to be trusted
out of my sight for more than an hour or
two at a time You didn't go the length
Of proposing matrimony to the lady who
was fortunate enough to win your-er-
regard, though, l suppose"
.'Certainly not, Phyllida," l replied.
'Your question surprises me-"
s'Well, I'm glad to find it's not so bad
as l thought" she went on unheedingy.
II don't suppose you had time to get ten
der enough for that, thought"
81 only saw her for five minutes or so, !"
l explained. "Upon my honor, Phyllida,
you have no cause for alarm on my ac-
count. / assure you that nothing beyond
hasty kiss passed between us"
The self appointed guardian Of my NOR
ais sprang to her feet.
"Whatv' she exclaimed. "You-you-
kissed herg'
"Only once" / answered soothingly.
"You must consider, l hadn't been intro
| duced to her long"
"Oh, this is too mueh!"
"My own, you asked for frankness," |
observed.
"Yes, but not for callousness too. Oh,
how could you; how could your"
"You will excuse my seeming density,
! but your question does not convey very
! much to me. How could.I whAtY'