The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1905-01-26

But, OF course" responded Phyllis
II couldn't permit myself to presum,
upon your kindness when l don't real
" need you. and. you see. the sun 1.
trying Its best to shine this very min
| ute.n
May failure attend Its efforts--that
isl mean--you know how very un
certain such weather Is, and II al
lowed you to be caught again ia neve'
forgive myself"
'oh, you wouldn't think OF Il again
Of course" she laughed coyly. But
should be desolated IL caused you
to miss your appointment. It's quite
little nearer 5 than Il was, you
know"
Hang the appointment! oh. I say,
beg your pardon, you know. But
really I'm having such a good time I'd
forgotten. and it's a bore anyway"
The appointment
Yes, beastly duty, you see. You
wouldn't mind my unburdening my.
self? I'm just In town for a few
weeks on business. and an old school
chum made me promise I'd look up his
sister-gave me letter and all that
which I'm to present this afternoon. I
know her sort too welLthe frothy,
gushy kind. Old Bob's the right stufs,
but these girls-Lord. I'd no end rath.
er be excused. II Il had only been
some one like you, now
"0h. You really mustn't say it." came
a queer. muffled voice.
Ward looked down to see very pink
face. pair OF unaccountably roguish
eyes and tempting mouth that twitch.
ed at the corners.
why mustn't say itT' he persist
ed. Hang eonventionallty. There | 90
again-but hang it anyway. Here am
having the best time of my life. and |
just because We happen not to have
met formally can't say what | think. |
And, worse still, I've got to 20 pres
entity and run my head straight into
moose. Probably find an at home and
the house full Of others Just like her.
I'd not rebel at all If you were to take
care of me-that is, II you were win.
Ing. Can't we be introduced or some
thing, whatever would be necessary to
make 1t proper?'
The pretty face had burned pinker i
md pinker.
Don't you think you're a bit hard
IN a girl you've never seenT' suggest
ID the same mutfied voice.
Don't have TO see her. What's more,
lon't want to. | know the sort. | tell
Tou. But Bob
Bob who? might know his sister"
Bob Dalrymple Grand old chap
co."
Il knew it, triumphantly. 81 mean
yes, have heard OF him. And here
re are at Mrs. Walkers. You can't
hink how grateful l am for the share
a your umbrella-and your very re-
reshing frankness. Goodby."
"0h, | say! You're going to let me
nd you again, aren't you? To lose you
t once for a mere form when I've
Taited all these years"
The genuine distress on his face was
90 much for Phyllis composure. and
be repressed laughter came In a gale
( merriment.
Il won't detaln you longer" she said,
winging the gate with her toe. II have
D engagement at something Of al 4
1isance too. shall have TO entertainiN
FRIEND of my brothers, and under
and he's rather a stick not half 50
farming as you have been. I'm sure"
Then the gate slammed against herl
md, and shower OF white cardsI
'rinkled the walk Ward bent to pick
her purse and from every white
uare was confronted by the words.
Hiss Phyllis Dalrymple." iii
Miss Dalrymple,' he stammered In I
agony of humiliation. 'I-I-how I
uld you let me-I''-
But Phyllis was tripping up the
ak. AS she reached the step she
rned and smiled. Just then the sun
rst from behind cloud, transform.
g the world into sparkle Of dia-
0nd drops. III
Miss Dalrymple will be at home,
1ne, at g." she said. 1T is possible L
at she would listen to a-well, let us
= an explanation"