The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1902-08-29

How curious that, though we never
met till fortnight ago, we seem to
have run against each other pretty
nearly every day since!
Is it, Mrs. Mostyn? Not so strange
surely, if we face the facts of the sit
uation. have known it more difficult
to trace the connection of cause and
effect.
What facts do you mean?
The obvious ones. You are an ex-
ceptionally pretty woman, and I an ex-
ceptionally accomplished and expert
enced firt. VOLTA tout.
Not quite all, Mr.. Fontaine The ex-
PLANTATION is not without presumption
on your part. 1t takes two to meet as
1t does to quarrel.
thought there was to be no make
believe between us.
Certainly. And it was I, if you re-
member, who made the stipulation. But
how has it been violated?
By your implied suggestion that you
have had no share in bringing about
the coincidence that so surprises you
our strangely fortuitous meetings,
when you know you are no less an
adept than myself in the delicate art.
Of flirting?
Why, of course.
Well that's pretty cool, Mr.. Fon-
tame, / must say. From what data
have you arrived at the conclusion?
You told me so yourself; and if you
had told me the contrary l shouldn't
have believed you. You told me that
every man you met made love to you.
and that you generally encourage them
for precisely a fortnight.
No, no; not SO long.
Well, anyhow, longer or shorter. 1t
proves my case.
I don't see that.
Why, it's a plea of guilty. Have you
anything to say why judgment should
not be delivered?
I'have heard my husband say plea
of guilty may be withdrawn.
Yes, but only by leave of the judge.
However, you may withdraw your plea
if you like and stand convicted on cir
cumstantial evidence.
But I deny the charge altogether.
have said already wouldn't believe
such a denial. Why, the moment / was
introduced to you, Mrs. Mostyn, saw
you were a consumr11ate fiirt; and
am never mistaken about a girl in that
way.
It's nice of you to call me girl,
when I've told you I'm past thirty.
But didn't believe that, either.
Well, it's rather hard when woman
is so exceptional as to speak the truth
about her age to be told to her face
she is lying like the rest.
Not in the least like the rest; just
the other way round. That's what re-
veals your rare skill and knowledge of
the game. For a woman to make out
she is twenty-five when she's obviously
thirty-two is mere gaucherie that
takes nobody in, whereas to insist that
she is past thirty when any idiot can
see she has not yet kept her twenty
sixth birthday is a clever move. For
the buffers believe her; and, as she
well knows, a woman who looks five
years less than her age is far more
attractive than If she were really five
years younger. You have the insighb
to perceive this great truth, and the
audacity and skill to play an unex-
pected trump.
i would give you my word of honor
spoke the truth, Mr.. Fontaine, only
suppose that wouldn't make you be-
lieve me any more-at least hope not;
for your skepticism, if real, is very
pleasant fattery.
That again Is cleverly put It is
sticking to the lie artistically.
Oh, this Is foolery. You began by
saying you were flirt yourself, Mr.
FOntaine-an accomplished one, too;
but don't call this flirting.
Gracious heavens. Mrs. Mostyn. YOU
a.