The Virginia enterprise. [volume] (Virginia, St. Louis County, Minn.) 1893-19??, 1898-09-16
4 BACHELORS MISTAKE.

Harris Clark, the hero of this sketch,
| was neither wise. useful nor, agreeable,
| and had lived fifty years alone when he
| might have been blest with Goods best
| gift to man-Woman," S5s + zs@
Still, as Clark was decidedly wealthy
man, his friend, Arthur Gould, thought
he would make an excellent husband for
his sister, who was slightly on the shady
side Of 80. So one evening, finding
him in his solitary apartments, looking
downcast and miserable, Gould said:.
"Clark, know what ails you.'' ~. -
What makes you think anything ails
meW gruffiy inquired Clark. II
BECAUSE you are not lively and hap
py. You are lonely and want society.
No one can enjoy life without cOmpan-
ionship. In short, you need wife" "
| I've got along all these years with
out one, and l guess can finish the
same way, r.
Because you have been a fool all
these years is no reason why you should
! continue one" .;.
'"Truer' said Clark. Had 1 taken a
wife twenty years ago should have
been happier today. But who would
marry an old fellow like me now?' IL
Many nice girl would jump at the
chance"
Il don't want an old maid" said this
particular old bachelor. :. ''Some pretty,
bright girl might tempt me. But, then,
this counting business | know nothing
about you see. and, taking it on the
whole, l might pay too dearly il ad-
vance," .
| SWELL" said Gould, impatiently, con
the whole, if the truth was known, l
think you are trifle too lazy to live"
=, why, I'm all ready for bargain
Show me some of those nice girls you
seem to think are so plenty"
| IF YOU please to visit my family YOU
will have an opportunity of meeting many
ladies. l will introduce you to my sister
for one; she will introduce you to others,
and
Good! l will spend tomorrow evening
| with you.'
We'll be glad to see YOU"
They parted, and Clark's thick head
was full of new ideas. At 6 o'clock the
ing necktie after necktie and carefully
parting what remained of his hair. Al
last ne was fully equipped and started
On his arrival he found none but the
family present, and being introduced tt
the ladies passed a pleasant evening. HI
watched every movement of the younger
lady, and before leaving had concluded t.
seek no further for wife, providing .lt
charming Miss Gould could be persuaded
to become Mrs. Clark. She was attrac
tive, pleasing in conversation and grace
| full in manner.
She is the woman for me,' thought
Harris as he said ''Good night" promis
ing to call soon again.
tie went home from his second visit
happier than the first, for in addition to
his increasing admiration for the lady, he
felt assured, by her evident exertions tc
entertain him, that his feelings were re-
ciprocated.
One unfortunate circumstance must be
explained before proceeding. Owing part.
~ to MIR. Gould's carefulness in present.
ing the ladies as his wife and sister. mere:
y, and partly Clark's confusion in con
fronting two women at once, ne had mis-
taken one for the other and fallen in love
i with Mrs. Gould decidedly the prettiet
OF the two), and who, perfectly innocent
OF ms error, strOve to make matters pleas:
ant in behalf of her sister-in-law. She
noticed once or twice that he addressed
her as Miss Gould, but knowing him to
be a somewhat illiterate man, let it PASS
Tor slip of the tongue.
lime passed and Harris determined to
speak One evening he found Mrs
you LOUD alone, and was Informed that car
thur and sister" had gone to make a call
put would soon return. Harris expressed
ilttle sorrow at their absence; now was
hie time, ne thought; so summoning all
MS courage, he commenced:
Ny dear lady, forgive me for speak
ing my mind frankly when assure you
that the bappiest hours of my life have
been passed in your society,"
why. thank you for the compliment
said Mrs. Gould. "It gives me great
pleasure to welcome you here, and yo,
VIII enjoy life better than in the soil
tary existence you have hitherto led. Ar
thur has deep interest in you, and
snail always be pleased to entertain yor
to the best of my Abilities
THANK you," said Clark II feel that .
single le :. llte is an unhappy one, and if mo-
100 late propose to amend.'
! Indeed! Then you think of MARRYING
congratulate you. May ask who is t
be the honored lady?'
THAT depends up. on you. 1 have never
met with one who inspired me with sucl
esteem, such love, as yourself. All
wife?'' 80. ~ NC Ai u
He paused and wiped the perspiratio,
from his forehead. Mrs. Gould, utterl,
contounded, sprung to. her feet, exclaim
ing; = = -. : -"
p,a nMe 1G yUas Tife' Why, Mr.. Clark, ex
Her husband, just entering, caught tn,
last words.
What is the matter?'' asked he. gaz
ing alternately from his wife to Clark.
That matterv replied the astonishet
sutton. You know as well as I do
Your sister appears IL have taken frigh
at sOmething-I don't understand whaf. ;
My sister! Why, that is my wife,