The Virginia enterprise. [volume] (Virginia, St. Louis County, Minn.) 1893-19??, 1901-07-26

Va ~ >AcNU' anu SlcIl SHOUTING ana
waving Of hats, but it is to be feared he
did not feel the enthusiasm evinced all
around him. But this, no doubt. was
due to the fact that an elderly gentleman
Of no mean proportions was making a
grand stand Of his pet corn.
Again the crowd became more dense.
and he felt himself being swept at an
iron, who, with the assistance of a
friendly lamppost, appeared to be hold
ing her own with great vigor and no lit
tie success against the Swaying mass.
here at last was a harbor of safety.
and Mr.. Wilkes did not hesitate for a
moment-the situation was. too critical
clasped it round the waist; and at last,
to his intense relief, stood firm.
1t was late when Mr. Wilkes arrived
home, hatless. collarless, and breath less.
what Oh earth can l do?'' he gaspod,
as he came to {: halt at his own gate.
Emily must never know of this
Suddenly light broke in upon him.
and an expression OF intense relief stole
across his face.
Very steathily he made circuit of the
hedge that surrounded the house. Very
steathily he crept toward an open win
dow, through which, after much putting
and blowing, he climbed.
what was that?' His heart almost
ceased beating
Il can't think where he can have got
TO- Jane, came a familiar voice from
the kitchen. Il advised him not to go,
put he IS so sself-willed. Oh! do hope
he's not hurt"
Mr.: Wilkes waited TO longer to hear
his character criticised, but crept noise
lessly upstairs. and at last stood safe and
sound in his own room, where, after
carefully locking the door, he sank ex-
hausted upon the bed.
He was soon on his feet again, how
ever, spurred on by the thought that his
reputation was ut stake, anu that unless
ne was prepared to face humiliation III
its most crushing form-and from a mere
wlfe-he must be downstairs and dressed
before Mrs. Wilkes knew of his return.
He commenced changing with feverish
haste, and had just reached a most criti-
cal stage In his attire, when, to his utter
CONSERVATION, he heard footsteps ascend
ing the stairs.
He waited in awful suspense while the
door was violently shaken.
"Who's in there?" demanded a snrill
voice from the landing.
No answer.
Again the door was shaken.
III fetch the police and have the door
broken open unless you speak," came the
voice, with determination in its tone.
Mr.: Wilkes realized that all was over.
Its only me, DEAR" he answered
meekly
Good heavens, John, I didn't know
YOU had come home! Wherever have you
been?'
Mr.. Wilkes hesitated. Could he suffer
the awful humiliation and loss of social
standing in his own house which was
certain to follow confession of mis- in
ability to take care of himself, especially
after his assurance in the argument with
his wife on the previous day. The very
thought was repugnant to him.
No, never! Emily wouldn't know, and
it would do no one any harm.
I've been to the coronation, DEAR he
answered at last, with well-fejgncd IN
concern.
OF course! But whatever has made
you so terribly late? ! thought you had
been crushed to DEATH
THE idea! How nervous you are Em-
/ should see it as we'll as those idiots
who take seats?''
Then. breaking off suddenly, he added
in different tone: Just get me some
brandy ready in the dining room. I'll be
down in few minutes
"Brandy?' exclaimed Mrs. Wilkes. in
SURPRISE.
Eyes, brandy" snapped Mr.. Wilkes,
his equanimity now fully restored by the
sense of safety.
Mrs. Wilkes retired, no little mystifed
During the whole of this conversation
Mr.. Wilkes had been dressing with an
energy born of terror. and now stood lie
fore the glass and viewed himself with
smile of satisfaction.
though I've been to an at home instead
of being squashed in London crowd"
In fact. there was only one thing that
prevented his mind from being at per-
feet rest, and that was the missing silk
hat.
However; the ice of discretion was
broken, and Mr.. Wilkes had fallen hope
lessly in. regardless of the ancient
proyerb, BE sure your sin will find you
OUT In fact, aided by sips of hot bran
dy, he now gave preference to another
adage, I'm for a penny, in for a pound
as, half an hour later, he related to his
astonished and admiring wife. how, by a
crowd, he had not only seen the process
sion; as well as the royal family itself,
and escaped unscathed,. but had gallant
" rescued two helpless maidens from
the awful fate of being crushed. 80 -
The next, day was Mrs. Wilkes birth
day, and, Mr.. Wilkes felt that something
ought to be done to mark the important
.fThe Palace. is a. splendid, place to
spend an enjoyable evening Wilkes de-
clared. '''It is more like d; respectable
concert than theater Eof varieties, and
the American, biograph is simply marvel
GUS" '''' -
Needless to say. the suggestion was
adopted: and after a good dinner at. a
fashionable restaurant, they found them
selves seated On the luxurious cushions OF
the third row. Of the stalls sSrsz,s stE:,''ss
The: frst<part4 frfthe segenings passed
very pleasantly. The event Of the even
ing. however, was yet to come. ~ Fad
At last No. Is went up. = 50 E 81
fgast<3i2. ~ ffs