Crittenden press. [volume] (Marion, Ky.) 1879-1907, 1902-12-04

crossed over to my sjde. Looking at
the matter impartiaily | cannot re-
gard her subsequent action as being
strictly in accordance with the die
tates of propriety. 1t was, however,
distinctly tranquilizing-and then,
there were no spectators.
Every well" | observed. as she re-
turned to her own chair. ASK me
anything 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
all the girls YOU have fallen in love
with since last Monday"
All of them:" | echoed, discon-
certcd at the unexpectedness of the
demand.
Phyllida nodded acQuieSccnce.
Pm afraid | shall have to 90 in ten
minutes" | replied, looking at my
watch.
Il suppose that means you couldn't
exhaust the list before II o'clock, y
she answered, sadly. I'm disappoint-
cd in you-and after all your solemn
promises, too"
Il have no wish to deprive you Of
any legitimate grievance, | re-
turned, but YOU wrong me in think
ing"
Then YOU haven't-er-you
know-with anyone:"
Precisely"
20, I'm so glad" she exclaimed,
brightly. Il knew could trust you.
You can't think what a weight you've !
taken off my mind, though. Do you
know" she added, softly, Il think |
admire your frankness more than any
thing else"
Il hope. Phyllida," answered, F.
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 convinced me |
that a rigid adherence to truth i, the
more excellent way"
"One should scorn to resort to
falsehood from higher motives than
those Of mere policy retorted Phyl-
Ida, severely Isn't there a prov
erb about it,
Il have heard ii said TIT a lie in
time saves nine | observed.
Don't be frivolous. or shall think
you're not serious in your promise
to be frank with me. Besides, I've
got another question to ask YOU. Its
this. don't want YOU to mention
any names. of course-but have YOU
seen any girl whom YOU liked much
during the last week: Now, be can
did. Examine yourself thoroughly
| complied with the request In
fact, | did so with such completeness
that my companion thought it neces-
sary to repeat the question.
Il have given the matter my atten-
ton | returned, at length, "and
find that | have only erred and
strayed in one single instance.
"Ha!' exclaimed my inquisi;or,
sharply, so YOU admit that you've
been misbehaving, DO you:"
Don't make me regret my conf
dence,' l pleaded. Twas not wholly
10 blame, assure You. The incident
occurred some time ago-three days
at least"
Its incxcusable," was the stern
retort. Il declare, you're not to be
trusted ont Of sight for more than an
hour or two at a time. You didn't
90 the length of proposing matri-
mony to the lady who was fortunate
enough to win your-er-regard,
hough, | suppose:
Certainly not, Phyllida," | re-
piled. Your question surprises
me-"
well, I'm glad to find its not so
bad as thought" she went on. un-
heedingly. Il don't suppose YOU had
time to get tender enough for that,
thought
Il only saw her for five minutes
,r So" | explained. Upon my
honor, Phyllida, You have no cause
Tor alarm on my account. | assure
You that nothing beyond hasty kiss
passed between Us"
. The self-appointed guardian of my
morals sprang to her feet.
What she exclaimed-"you-
'ou kissed herr"
"Only once ANSWERED, soothing
Y. You must consider, | hadn't