The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1902-05-06
A DIS GRE CEMENT

kresh Wnlte morning gOwn-"the real
truth is that IL was u great mistake for
Us ever TO get married"
The worst mistake We ever made"
said Lal lugubriously.
Because the lord OF creation has not
had his breakfast quite 10 his liking he
must Immediately IN treat his wife and
wish TO divorce her" said Phyllis some
what unreasonably, but more scathing-
ly than ever. You need not be afraid.
my lord and MASTER very sarcastical-
iy)- Il have too much self respect TO
ruffie your august mind by standing In
the way OF your creature comforts"
Whereat she swept majestically out OF
the room.
Lal ensconsed himself gloomily be-
hind his paper and worked himself up
into a great indignation against Phyl-
lis.
Il simply cannot stay in the same
house with her" thought he. throwing
down the paper. when he caught sight
OF Phyllis. most daintily dressed for go
ing out in spring hat and frock and
beautiful little shoes. passing over the
law anu oul Ol tue gate. carefully
picking her way as she went.
Lal frowned. said TO himself that she
was heartless. did not care In the least.
then put on his hat and marched reso-
lutely out toward the railway station.
going 10y the short cut over the fields.
He would 40 away for n few days. at
any rate till Phyllis had come to her
senses.
Phyllis. walking on the road, was
equally resolved that to live in the
same house with Lal was perfectly
impossible TO her as a right minded
woman - perfectly impossible. She
would take the very first train that
/ went and so back to mamma. At home
they had let her come down to break
/ fast just whenever she chose Besides,
at home they did not have breakfast at
the ridiculously early hour OF Z Break
fast at indeed
Lal was the first 10 arrive at the rail-
way station and. going up 10 the sleepy
/ little office. asked for his ticket. Then
he searched every pocket I'm turn for
the money. but not one penny could he
ind. He grew crimson as each investl-
CATION revealed nothing but a few
/ yards or Irvine. a piece OF paper folded
lengthwise and few rusty nails.
How ever did these things come to be
In his pockets How very annoying OF
/ Phyllis! She had put out an old suit
for him 10 wear. Lal frowned. blushed
and stammered that he had forgotten
his money. The ticket man concealed
smile. Lal said that he would 20
home and fetch IL, for his resolve was
in nowise shaken But as he went out
OF the station door he saw a dainty.
well known little figure coming down
the road.
Phyllis carefully avoided the little
I puddles left by the nights rain and
tried To look joyfully forward TO being
under mammals protecting wing. He
drew back and watched her. This very
pretty little lady. holding her parasol
Judywise on her arm. marched boldly
into the office and, without hesitation.
demanded a first class ticket Then.
ell unsuspecting. she put her little
white gloved hand into her pocket and
began To search for her purse.
Lal. with secret triumph. observed
her growing pinker and pinker till she
was the pretty color OF the roses in her
hat She turned the pocket inside out.
but no purse was TO be found. Then
she gasped. ''Oh. / left IL on the dress
ing table" And. apologizlng profusely
TO the amused ticket man. she turned
away and prepared to walk at a great
pace back 10 the house.
Lal caught up TO her in a couple of
strides and politely asked her II he
should fetch her purse. She started and
colored. thanked him with elaborate
poiteness and said that she would GET
IL herself.
AS l am just going to get mine"
said Lal quite cOolly, I'VE might as
well walk together II you don't mind"
AS they marched on sedately he
watched the determined little figure at
his side and reflected that Phyllis real
ly was looking beautiful.
Phyllis could not help feeling inclined
to laugh. 1t really was all so very ride
ulous.
I'VE have missed that train" said
Lal at last
Yes" said Phyllis stifiy.
long pause till they arrived at the
garden gate. and he held 1t open for
her TO pass through.
There won't be another for ages" he
said.
Not till this afternoon" said Phvl-
lis. more and more inclined TO laugh.
DO you particularly want to corr
asked Lal. Because OF course IT would
be awkward IL we both went to the
same place and In the same train too.
or course we might go in separate car
riages."
rhe afternoon train Is so slow" said
Phyllis thoughtfully. land think # ia
coming on to rain"
very probably" said Lal. seriously
contemplating the cloudless summer
sky. We might wait till tomorrow.
And-what do you say to having break.
fast at half past 7?'
TO give US more time to pack" said
Phyllis gravely. IN ask the cook n
sne can manage it"