Greene County herald. (Leakesville, Miss.) 1898-current, 1904-06-10
THE WORLD OVER"
By Charlotte r. Van WogIum.

time; the dark eyes became troubled
She had not thought he would take
things SO to heart
1T isl" decisively.
Il expect so much; my ideals are so
high"
Cant they be dropped bit and you
make me fit them?"
She wiggled loose from his clasp and
stood glancing up into the earnest
face bent above hers. A curious little
throb made her heart felt for the first
time.
Il might try" replied she after that
moments hesitation.
''Will you-will you, Phil? he asked
with eager entreaty. IF you only
would try, just little. There's no 9TH
er fellow is there?-nobody down in
that wonderful country of yours where
everybody is SO polite?" the last a bit
jealousy.
She laughed, but seeing the eagerness
die out and detection take its place,
she was merciful.
Perhaps it would be wiser to let the
matter rest awhile"
You said that last week"
How impatient you are. At least l
shall not marry until you have your
answer. I'm soon. going to the city and
after my return"
You couldn't give it-before you
go?' wistfully.
He dared not press too hard. To
lose the ground already his would in
deed be grief. So he abided by her de-
cision, fearful of being turned down
completely.
mo, really cannot give it sooner. 1t
is far too grave a matter to be hur-
riedly settled. I'd no idea you cared
for me-this way. My answer can on
ly be decided upon after the very
calmest elaboration. 1t shall be ex-
tremely deliberate"
when may l hear the outcome of
this-calm deliberation?" he asked in
rather sarcastic voice. Inwardly his
heart was sore; he could not bear to
let her go from him in so unsatisfac-
tory manner
Friday night she replied. THAT
is surely a little while to wait. l could
visit longer, of course, but auntie will
need me by that time and besides"
Phyllis did not complete the sentence,
instead, edging further away from him.
Her face clouded as she noted his evil
dent disappointment. 1t was quite too
bad he must spoil their merry friend
ship as he had done so abruptly that
last week.
There were good-bys when at length
he left, but of the most formal kind.
she would yield no point to pleading.
and he refrained from making it too
stern, lest she refuse outright. That
was Saturday. On Monday she left
Oldtown.
1t was with intense pleasure she
reached the city and started in for
three days of gayety. Novelties charm
ed beyond expectation; her cousin re-
joiced to have her; not one moment
was dull. The big department stores
we're visited, likewise several friends
of school days-those who had married
and moved away from former localities.
She decided, too, it would be an excel
lent opportunity to study marriage
views from points other than her own.
The subject, however, was thrust upon
her without any electromagnetic in
fact very abruptly. She met Dora
Brant on the street, so changed she
scarcely recognized her. Both halted.
Dora with lighted face and hand ex-
tended, grasped her on the arm.
''Phil Dunston!" she exclaimed ex-
citedly. Nov this is a surprise You
look pretty, as ever. Have you been
here long?-why yes, didn't you know
Testers health is poor and so | look
after the store every afternoon while
he takes little rest-a whole year
the doctors say-not moment to my
self-woFk and worry stick close to me
since my marriage but then-yes, Les
ter must be cheered, not discouraged
How lucky you are to be free from
worry and cares-comc and see me to-
morrow-all right"
Phyllis pondered as she walked on.
She felt sorry for Dora. She had been
one of the prettiest girls at Mrs. I've
sons school. 1t was all very sad in
deed.
On Tuesday dinner invitation
claimed Phyllis. 1t was a beautiful
home she went to, perfect in every ap-
pointment, with hostess charming as
in girlhood days and exquisitely gown
ed
Run right upstairs, Phil" said
Lena Everdel, warmly, giving the girl
vigorous hug and kiss. "Just make
yourself at home-now how foolish
Ernest is seldom home-didn't you
know? Dear me, l supposed every
body knew that. 1t is drink" Mrs.
Eyerdel laughed oddly, almost with
sadness. HE goes his way and l mine,
because-because-oh, do not pity me,
Phil. should never have married.
My dear, go slow-go slow. when you
think of such a thing-yes, is it not
beautiful pieces of tapestry-brough
from Europe-genuine, every thread.
Now do hurry and fix yourself and
come down to the drawing room"
Again did Phyllis ponder, that sec
ond time more deeply.
On Wednesday, en- route to the the
atre, she met Maria Tessley in the troll
ley car. Maria beamed upon her de-
lightedly and took the seat beside her.
For lands sakes, Phyllis Dunstcl.
Wherever did you drop from?' asked
Mrs. Tessley, meanwhile pushing four
scrambling children into various va
cant seats and then settling down be-
side her friend ut seems ages since
I've seen you. What jolly times we did
have and-yes, four. It's hard scratch
ing keeping up appearances, too-just
dreadful-not a cent for anything but
butchers and bakers and grocers and
cobblers and tailors-matinee?-
haven't been to one in years-nowhere
at all-tied down the whole time-do
you think them pretty?-they're real
smart in school-head of their classes