The Somerset reporter., 1903-12-10
Copyright, 1908, bg T. c. Mcclure

might look strange if we didn't, you
know
1T has one advantage" said Phyl-
lis-"one does not need to talk out
there"
Phyllis laughed. 1t sounded kind Of
good to hear it. Phyllis has a pretty
luugh and particularly so when one
has not heard it for a whole month.
Did you hear the latestT | asked
by way of changing the subject.
(Which is questioned Phyllis apa-
thetically.
"Of my engagement" finished.
Phyllis was interested. She leaned
forward in her chair and rested her
chin on her palms.
This time to- she pursued.
But was not going to commit my
self
What do you think of Oracle Raw
shaw said l.
II thought you preferred taller girls
and bonds" commented Phyllis.
Beauty is only skin deep" quoted
sententiously.
Phyllis herself is exceptionally pref
ty.
Il suppose So she said dreamily,
taking no notice Of my remark. But
it's awfully funny" she concluded.
with a little laugh.
II fall to see the humor of the sit
uation.' | replied stifily. This is not
exactly a testing matter with me-"
Il should not imagine SC" said Phyl-
lis dryly. But I'll apologize. | used
the wrong word. ought to have said,
what a coincidence"
coincidence? HowY | queried in
CONSERVATION.
| anticipated something, but | don't
think Phyllis knew 1t. | hatter my
self that my cigarette never tremblcd.
have always prided myself on my
nerve
II might make little announce
ment myself" said Phyllis quietly,
with just the faintest suspicion of a
laugh In her voice.
| flicked off a sixteenth of an inch
of ash. Ashes are so liable to fall ON
ones clothes. you know.
And the MANI" It's remarkable how
tobacco steadies one.
II believe you will find people con-
graduating Mr.. Dawson Graham this
evening"" replied Phyllis demurely
Lucky devil" calculated impolite-
ly. | said other things to myself.
never had much use for that fellow
anyway.
Phyllis bowed in mock courtesy.
People are good enough to say So"
she assented Il really can't say that
see 1t myself but
laughed. The thing was appealing
to my sense of humor. It's a most ex-
cellent thing, you know. to possess a
sense of humor.
I'VE wouldn't have believed all this
q month ago." said l. II would have
laughed had any one suggested such
thing"
How fortunate! said Phyllis. with
apparent irreverence.
"Whlch?" asked THAT wouldn't
have believed it or that would have
laughed7"
THAT we found out In time" Phyl-
lis seemed quite serious. "Afterward
1t would have been apt to create such
a scandal"
True" said l. I'VE did quarrel oc-
casionally."
Occasionally shifted Phyllis. You
might better say eternally. Why, l
remember one time
when you were staying at Boreas
Beach," | interrupted.
mo, not that one" corrected Phyllis
-"when l vas
And used to sail up the river TO
look at you. You wore yellow dress
that summer, you know. and could
| see you on the veranda. How | used
to wish | could get up the courage
to land and go up and talk to you'll
don't suppose you ever even saw me-"
why didn't your" said Phyllis I'M
reasonably.
knew why. My Imagination gave
me a vivid picture of Phyllis turning
her back and walking inside. Phyllis
knew too But had sense enough not
to answer
Then there was that time
Are you going over them ALP ask
ed Phyllis YEARLY.
Il suppose there won't be time" said
1. But you have no idea how much
l thought of you that summer. little
girl"
"And nowT questioned Phyllis soft
ly.
isn't it rather late to dream of such
things with both of us engaged to 9TH
er people?" said l.
Yes" answered Phyllis. 81 suppose
1t is"
you suppose" said | bitterly I'D
like to punch Dawcy Graham's head.
That's what I'd like to do"
Perhaps began Phyllis gently.
ooh. here you are" interrupted Mrs.
st. Clair, coming out of the house
1--WE been looking everywheEe. for you
two. Phyllis. | want to introduce you
to Captain MacDougall. Come: I'm