Tazewell Republican. [volume] (Tazewell, Va.) 1892-1919, 1905-02-16
When Priscilla
Told a Lie ~
Copyright, 1904, by Daily Story Pub. CO..

%TOR my part" insisted Priscilla
Melrose, replacing the dainty cup
in its saucer, Il do not believe the utter
ance of an untruth is ever justitiable. "
well, of course, Priscilla" replied
Sadie, "a downright lie is objectionable;
but l 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 LED
Sadie to the altar, not even the bride
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
sentiment. When, therefore, her two
dearest friends embarked together up
on the uncertain sea of matrimony, the
Iarge-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 endeavoring to up
hold the reputation Of his illustrious
name by fiercely pecking at her we'll
rounded chin when Frank Atherton was
announced.
"Why, Frank, what is the matter?'
anxiously inquired Priscilla, giving the
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 agitated 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 NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. 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 its imperfect outward ex-
preston.
why, hardly understand" she be-
gan.
mo, of course not, and l find it diff
hcult 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 keep
In touch with business affairs.
"Tell me about it." said Priscilla
"Well, l found everything all right at
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
rat Manhattan Beach. The only thing
to do was to go out there. On my way
uptown, l ran across Mdlle. Fleurette.
of the Casino. You know we were once
rather 'chummy,' but, really, my regard
for her was not of the degree that Cos
sip would lead one to believe. She was
simply jolly company. Without giving
the matter a thought, l asked her to
lunch. Then | went over to the Beach,
saw Hodges, and afterward took a
plunge in the surf. There again met
the young lady, enjoying the same
pleasure. | have since learned that she
went out on the same train. That Is
the full extent OF my sins. Now, some