The San Francisco call., 1905-02-28
:By ElinniDution::
BY FORBES DWIGHT
~ HILLIDA was dressed in red,
and Phillida in red is irresistible.

ensconced on the cushion of the
huge divan, kept his eyes fixed
steadily on the little tea table near the
fire where Phillida struggled with an
arbitrary spirit lamp which consumed
quantities of alcohol and responded
with a siclkly blue flame. Dusk was
coming on-the kindly, cczy dusk that
engepders condolences ard is particu-
larly propitious to tn smitten of
Eros. Grozier rested IN elbow on his
knee and smiled quietly.
Bother the tea, Phillida." said he.
THE lamp won't burn, anyway.
Let's just talk"
Phillida put the lamp in it's bracket
beneath the kettle, and sighed resign
edly.
I'm afraid I can't make it burn. -
she said.
Never mind. It's talk more than
tea 1 want" he replied. "Phillida.
don't you think it's about time you
made a choice from the field?"
Il don't quite follow you," she said.
Don't you think it's time you let
the one and only man know his happy
fate?" he suggested. Let's see, how
many are there, anyway-the really
eligible ones, you know?"
Phillida regarded him with a little
frown of disapproval for a moment,
but it presently gave place to win
ming smile.
Your impertinence does you credit,
I must say" she observed. But since
you seem to be so much interested in
the matter, I'll place the estimate
roughly at six
Six" he unused thoughtfully. I'm
Guiding me, Phillida?"
Including you, of course" she said.
Your unremitting attentions for the
past four years have won you a place
on the list, Teddy"
you should make a choice" he said
gravely. ''Tempus has a way of
fugitIng, and patience ceases to be a
virtue even with a man in love-"
You merely state your views in the
matter" said she.
Il fancy / voice the sentiments of the
field" he remarked.
IT'S a very grave matt er," she sad
mockingly; ''one requiring time"
you've taken time enough already
to make a score of cnoosings," said
he. Now, really, / want to help you
in the matter. L don't want to see
you delay until all your suitors are
married or dead"
Thanks" said she. Your adcice
will be invaluable. Now, knowing
these men quite as we'll as l do, which
one would you suggest as the most
suitable husband?"
Grozier held UP a deprecating hand
Excessive modesty forbids me to
state, madam" said he.
Phillfda laughed gayly.
You wear your excessive modesty
awkwardly. Evidently it's new" she
asserted.
1T seems to me-" said Grozier.
wrinkling his brow thoughtfully, that
the best method to reach the desired
result is by a process of elimination.
Let's take them in order. Now young
Cartwright first; he's a fine chap, an
exceptionally fine chap; but he has no
money. Isn't that so, Phillida?"
She nodded.
Exit Mr.. Cartwright" said he
Now let's take a look at Garrison
Mighty fine fellow, this Garrison, but
a trifie too sportive of tendency You
wouldn't want to marry man who
follows every ring contest and plays
the races heavily, would your"
NO" she said slowly. Still Mr..
Garrison"
Exit Mr.. Garrison" he went on
hastily. Porter next. The only thing
against poor old Porter is his age.
Money-barrels of it, and steady as
an eightday clock. but old undenia-
bly, old. He's getting rather bald and
about the temples he's decidedly gray.
Age is a very great disadvantage in
a suitor, don't you think so?"
Possibly" she said doubtfully.
'Good-by, Mr.. Porter" said he.
"We have duly considered your prop
osition and find at present we are in
no position to take it up. Now then
for Dracut.'