Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1905-01-13
When Priscilla
Told a Lie ~
By C. A. SARGENT
Copyright, 1904, by Daily story Pub. Col

HATOR my part" insisted Priscilla
Melrose replacing the dainty cup
in It's saucer, Il do not believe the utter
ance of an untruth is ever justitiable.'
well, of course, Priscilla" replied
Sadie. "a downright lie is unpardonable;
but | do believe that many of the
polite fibs used by society are not only
harmless. but even necessary"
"a lie is objectionable" Priscilla
firmly reiterated.
Priscilla Melrose and Sadie Carter had
been the closest friends from early
youth, and when Frank Anterior leo
Sadie to the altar, not even the Drlde
herself appeared more radiantly joyous
than did Priscilla. Her acquaintance
with Frank had also been of long dura-
ton, and there had ever subsisted be-
tween them a delightful sense OF
"chummy" comradship unrestrained by
continent When. therefore, her two
dearest friends embarked together up
on the uncertain sea of matrimony, the
large-hearted girl found that, instead of
losing them they seemed drawn nearer
than ever by the invisible cords OF a
mutual love
One bright September morning three
months later Priscilla stood at the west
window of her home on the riverside
drive. Perched upon Priscilla's slender
finger sat Gen. Weyler-her pet canary.
The General was endeayoring to up
hold the reputation OF his ilIustrious
name by fcrcely pecking at her we'll
rounded chin when Frank Atherton was
announced.
"Why. Frank. what is the matterY'
anxlously' inquired Priscilla, giving he
/ bird its liberty and quickly advancing to
meet her unexpected caller. Franks
eyes bore a strained, unnatural express
sion.
My God. Priscilla, everything's the
matter" replied the agtated man, TAX
ing her hand between both his own and
peering into the depths of her inquir-
ing eyes.
Sadie" began Priscilla.
Yes, Sadie" pacing back and forth;
"she is well-phys ically-but there is the
very dev-I beg your pardon" He
stopped directly in front of the puzzled
girl wishing her to read his inward
misery from it's imperfect outward ex-
preston.
why, | hardly understand" she be-
gan.
mo, of course not, and | find it diff
ficult to explain. To begin, was
guilty of doing a foolish thing when
in town Monday" The Athertons had
spent their honeymoon in a cottage at
Asbury Park instead of making the Gus
tomary tour" and Frank occasionally
returned to the city in order to keeI
in touch with business affairs.
Tell me about it," said Priscilla.
We'll, | found everything all right al
the office that day, and would have re-
turned on the first afternoon boat but
for an important matter that necessi-
tated an interview with Hodges of The
Air Line system. | learned that he was
at Manhattan Beach. The only thin2
to do was to go out there On my way
uptown, ran across Mdlle. Fleurette
of the Casino. You know we were once
rather 'chummy, but. really, my regarC
for her was not Of the degree that Cos
sip would lead one to believe She wa
simply jolly company. Without giyini
the matter a thought, asked her t(
lunch. Then | went over to the Beach
saw Hodges, and afterward took
plunge in the surf. There | again me
the yOong lady, enjoying the same
pleasure | have since learned that sh,
went out on the same train. That i
the full extent of my sins Now, SOM
gossipping old hen got possession o
those few incidents, imagined man,
worse ones, and poured the tale int
Sadie's ears with such elaborateness 0
detail that the poor girl could not doub
it, She returned to town yesterday.
cannot get her to listen to a word Tn
speaker again began his restless pacing
Finally, he leaned against the piano, fold
ed his arms, wearing a most forlorl
expression.
Priscilla" he began, hesitatlngly, "
i wonder if you wouldn't run dow
and see her?"
Il will, willingly, if you think hes,
Have you told her alp"
"Why, no-that is, would have don
so, but she gave me no chance. FroI
her talk | judged that she already knev
it, and every time | began to speak sh
broke in so fiercely that | feared sh
I might become hysterical"
| III drive down after lunch. am S
d sorry, Frank, but, really, hardly kno1
what to do"
Your good common sense will lea
N | r. I
hope so, for my own sake"
$ Priscilla reached the Anterior apart
o ment undecided as to her line of conduc