The Irish standard., 1905-01-14
When Priscilla
Told a Lie ~
ny G. A. SARGENT
Copyright, 1901, by Daily Story Pub. Coz
TOR my part" insisted Priscil
Melrose. replacing the dainty CT

Copyright, 1901, by Daily Story Pub. Coz
TOR 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 objectionable;
but l do believe that many OF the
polite fibs used by society are not only
harmless, but even necessary"
"a lie is unpardonable,' Priscilla
armly reiterated.
Priscilla Melrose and Sadie Carter had
been the closest friends from early
youth, and when Frank Atherton led
Sadie to the altar, not even the bride
herself appeared more raGiantly joyous
than did Priscilla. Her acquaintance
with Frank had also been of long dura-
ZION, 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 matrlmony, the
arge-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 Friscilla's slender
Anger sat Gen. Weyler-her pet canary.
The General was endeavoring to up
aold the reputation of his illustrious
name by fiercely pecking at her we'll
rounded chin when Frank Anterior was
announced.
why, Frank, what is the matter?"
znxiously inquired Priscilla, giving the
bird it's liberty and quickly advancing to
meet her unexpected caller. Franks
ayes bore a strained, unnatural express
sion.
''My God, Priscilla, everything's the
natter" replied the agitated man, TAX
ing her hand between both his own and
ing eyes.
Sadie" began Priscilla.
"Yes, Sadie" pacing back and forth;
''she is Observation-Disclosures there is the
Tary 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
dcult to explain. To begin, was
guilty of doing a foolish thing when
n town Monday" The Athertons had
spent their honeymoon in a cottage at
xsbury Park instead of making the GUS
tomary tour" and Frank occasionally
'aaturned to the city in order to keep
n touch with business affairs.
"Tell me about it, said Priscilla.
We'll, found everything all right at
NE Office that day, and would have re-
1urned on the first afternoon boat but
tOr an important matter that nccessi-
lated an interview with Hodges, OF the
Fir Line system. learned that lie was
vt Manhattan Beach, The only thing
10 do was to go out there. On my way
uptown, l ran across Mdlle. Fleurette.
Of the Casino. You know we were once
yather 'chummy' but, really, my regard
Tor her was not of the degree that Cos
sip would lead one to believe. She was
simply jolly company. Without giving
1ha matter thought, asked her to
lunch. Then | went over to the Beach,
saw Hodges, and afterward took a
yfunge in the surf. There | again met
the young lady, enjoying the same
Measure. have since learned that she
went out on the same train. That is
the full extent Of my sins. Now, some
xossipping old hen got possession OF
those few incidents, imagined many
worse ones, and poured the tale into
3adie's ears with such elaborateness of
fetal that the poor girl could not doubt
Is. She returned to town yesterday l
lannot get her to listen to word" The
speaker again began his restless pacing.
Finally, he leaned against the piano, fold
I'd his arms, wearing a most forlorn
expression.
Priscilla" he began, hesitatingly, II
& wonder if you wouldn't run down
md see her?"
Il will, willingly, If you think best.
Rave you told her all?"
why, no-that is, would have done
10, but she gave me no chance From
Ter talk judged that she already knew
i, and every time began to speak she
Broke in so fiercely that feared she
might become hysterical.'
III drive down after lunch. am so
prry, Frank, but, really, hardly know
What to do"
'"Your good common sense will lead
TO something, l am sure At least, |
2ope so, for my own sake"
Priscilla reached the Atherton apart
nent undecided as to her line OF conduct
aut before entering resolved to appear
antirely ignorant of the affair, think
Ing that such pardonabe deception
would result in more confidential talk
with her friend Once inside, she had
dttle need to feigr surprise. On the
aoor, attred in loose morning wrap.
per, her hair none too tidy, with eyes
sed from excessive weeping, sat Sadie
ihe picture OF despair Into three par.