mon, because the subject was more personal.
But don't you think we admitted the sufficing reason at
the start, and isn't it natural that a girl who has been
conventionally brought up is pretty well satisfied in her own
mind of the moral status? Of course," she added, with a toss of
her pretty head, "I am not asking you or anybody else to kiss me.
I am merely curious to know if this plays any part in the
philosophy of love as understood by the greatest thinkers."

Her speech had given me time to pull myself together. "No," I
said with marked emphasis, "I did not kiss you, because I had
noted the unworthy suspicions you have expressed to-day, and
I was hurt and grieved. It was hard for me to exhibit my
displeasure in this way, and I am regretful now that I have
learned that it was simply playfulness on your part. Don't
interrupt. I am satisfied that the pure merriment of your nature
is responsible for this assault, and I shall take great pleasure
in making up this evening for the deficiencies of last night."

She laughed and we were friends again. And with such jocular
asperities the days passed quickly and agreeably until my nephew
arrived with the plans and specifications. Frederick Grinnell was
not only my nephew, but an architect of reputation and promise,
considering his years and experience. Like Phyllis he had been
left an orphan early in life, and it had been my pleasure and
privilege to give him an education and see that he was fairly
started in life. While I think I may say that Frederick was not
quite so attractive as was I at his age, he was nevertheless a
fine, manly young fellow, tall, well put together, of good
habits, industrious and devoted to his profession. It pleased me
to see that he admired Phyllis's pretty face and bright, animated
manner; but one evening, when I fancied that he was too deeply
stirred by her really beautiful voice, I took the opportunity to
converse with him confidentially as we walked back to the tavern.

"I have been intending to tell you, Frederick," I began a little
airily, "of the relations existing between Miss Kinglake and
myself. So far it has been a profound secret"--I did not then
know that the entire village was gossiping about it--"but I feel
that I owe it to you, as my nearest relative, to admit that Miss
Kinglake and I are engaged."

I paused, and noting that he did not wince or appear in the least
degree discomposed, continued:

"Of course you will respect my