The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-07-23

I'm notl" denied Phyllis. with GER
tain assumption of dignity; I'm only
90
You don't show it, I responded gal
lantly. Were asked to make a guess,
1 should say sweet 16' and"
quite So said Phyllis. dryly.
How awful il must be to be laid on
the shelf" remarked sympatheticany.
I'm noti" asserted Phyllis, indig-
nantly.
surprised way. I never even insinuated
such a thing. But you know,'I concluded
dismally, you haven't had proposal
in three weeks"
I have" insisted Phyllis, L had one
just tonight"
"Oh. but that doesn't count" said L.
You told me so yourself These are
only sort of trial heats. to keep you IN
form, you know"
obi shifted Phyllis.
Resides I added, 7 need material
for my stories"
What a risk you are willing 70 run
for the sake of MATERIAL said Phylhs-
Yes" I replied suavely but It is
necessary that one make some sacrinces
for the sake of art.
Suppose, though. 1 were to accept
YOU some timer" queried Phyllis in an
awful tone
L would have a new climax for the
next one" said I, indifferently-
had expected Phyllis to be affected,
instead, she burst out laughing. That's
the trouble with Phyllis; she never
will take me seriously.
you're a goose. she complimented
me-
Jaw, thanks" murmured- so
good of you."
Phyllis regarded me gravely. Now.
it's an odd thing, but whenever Phyllis
looks at a fellow just like that he feels
sort of funny all over, you know. l
80 > fc I
be what they call personal magnetism
Jack" she said. do you know you
have some gray hairs?'
IT'S not polite of you to remind me
of it, said I.
And YOUR complexion isn't as. good
as it used to be-" she continued: Be
sides. there are lots of little things
particularly about your clothes"
Nothing serious, trust?" I asked
in alarm.
But a lot of little things. 1 think you
need some one to take care of you"
parks is an unexceptionable valet"
said in his defense.
But he draws his salary every
month" put in Phyllis
And why shouldn't her" I interro-
Now, a wife" began Phyllis mus
NV" SWould draw hers at the end of the
month and every other day as well, 1
yes said Phyllis. taking no notice.
II think you need wife. Now, why
don't you propose to some nice girl
Jack?"
Huh" snorted Phyllis. in DISBELIEF.
How many proposals have you ever
@Seventeen." said I.
I think Phyllis was pleased. Any
how. she smiled a little.
There was the Rawshaw girl, -salo
she. warningly.
ing particularly queenlike about a girl s
carriage when she's only five loot three'
And Bessie Fleming.
Phyllis was getting back at me
"a sweet creature I agreed, but
really prefer blondes"
"And then there's a whole host Of
others that you might have II you
wanted them. You're catch' you
II know" said I. YEARLY. IT suppose
that accounts for my popularity"
ssOh, no." said Phillis. sweetly-
score Of seventeen. it doesn't seem to
have benefited me greatly. Will it do
me any good to make 1t eighteen? %
Phyllis toyed with the corner of the
sofa cushion.
You might do great deal better"
, said she, deprecatingly.
Then don't have to make it eight
een?" cried I, for once in my life COM
pretending.
Il did not say just that, SIR said
Phyllis. saucilY.
! I don't think 1 ever saw Phyllis look
so beautiful, and the odd part of it was
I couldn't see her eyes. either. She
was staring full into the fire all the
time. If it makes her look that way.
PUT TO THE TEST.