The new enterprise. (Madison, Fla.) 1901-1908, 1903-06-04
~ getting

"Ilm not" asserted Phyllis, indlg-
nnntly.
"The very idea?' / murmured In
surprised way. II never even insln-
uatcd such thing. But you know"
l concluded dismally, "you haven't mad
proposal In three weeks.'
81 have" insisted Phyllis; IL had one
just tonight"
"oh, but that doesn't count" said I,
"You told me so yourself. These are
only sort Of trial heats, to keep you in
form, you know"
"Ohw shifted Phyllis.
Besides" / added, 81 need material
for my Stories"
"what a risk you are willing to run
for the sake of materlalp' said Phyl-
lis.
"Yes," 1 replied suavely, "but 1t is
necessary that one make some sacri-
fees for the sake OF art"
Suppose. though, 1 were TO accept
you some time" queried Phyllis in an
awful tone.
81 would have n new climax Cor the
next one" said !. indifferently,
had expected Phyllis to he affected;
instead, she burst out laughing, Thnt's
the trouble with Phyllis; she never will
take me seriously.
You're a goose" she complimented
me.
"Aw, thanks" murmurod. $50
good Of you"
Phyllis regarded me grayely. Now,
lis an odd thing, but whenever Phyl-
lis looks at a fellow just like that he
feels sort of funny all over, you know
l think it must be what they call
personal magnetism.
Jack" she said, do you know that
you have some gray hairsT
ITS not polite OF you TO remind me
Of It," said 1.
"And your complexion isn't ms good
as 1t used TO be-" she continued. "Be-
sides, there are a lot of little things
particularly about your clothes
Nothing serious, I trust?" / asked,
In alarm.
NO" said Phyllis, nothing serious.
But lot OF little things. I think you
need some one TO take care OF you"
Parks is an unexceptionable valet"
said l in his defense.
but he draws his salary every
month" put in Phyllis.
"And why shouldn't he?" Inferno
gated. ..
"Now, a wife" began Phyllis,
musingly.
Would draw hers at the end Of the
month, and every other day as well"
l concluded.
Eyes" said Phyllis, taking no notice,
81 think you need n wife. Now, why
don't you propose TO some nice girl,
! Jack"
"I have" sald I. stoutly.
"Huh" snorted Phyllis, in disbelief,
"How many proposals have you evG
made;" ..,
Seventeen" said I.
I think Phyllis was pleased. Any
how. she smiled n little.
"There was the Rawshaw girl" said
she warnngly.
"Nlce girl" I assented warmly
"NOthIng particularly queenlike about
a girls carriage when she's only five
foot three"
"And Bessie Fleming"
Phyllis was getting back at me. o
"a sweet creature" l agreed, "but
1 really prefer blondes"
"And then there's a whole host oi
others that you might have IL yor
wanted them. You're q catch, yor
know"
II know" said I. YEARLY. IT sup
pose that accounts for my popularity.
"Oh, no." said Phyllis, sweedy
you're rather nice as we'll"
Thanks" l replied, but with {
score of seventeen, it doesn't seem tC
have benefited me greatly, win 1t do
me any good to make 1t elghteen?"
Phyllis toyed with the corner OF thu
sofa cushion.
"You might do n great deal better,
said she, deprccatingly.
"Then l don't have to mako j
cighteen?' cried I, for once in my lif'
comprchending.
II did not say that, sir" said Phyl
lis, saucily.
l don't think ever saw Phyllis Tool
so beautiful and the odd part Of !
was, couldn't see her eyes, either
She was staring full into the fire al
the time. If Il makes her look tina
way, wish she would look into til,
fire always.
"But do make 1t eighteen, Phyl
lis" said 1, soberly.
took hold OF her ANN and turnet