The Virginia enterprise. [volume] (Virginia, St. Louis County, Minn.) 1893-19??, 1901-11-29
"When Tom Proposed"

euvironmenthad cradicated every
- yestige of sentiment that he had
originally possessed.
'How can fellow retain any feel
ing Of sacredness in regard to proposal
or an engagement after hearing such
things cunyassed by the girls as
have:" he would say, pathetically. 1T )
my firm belief that most women have
no more sentiment than oyster. If ever
1 propose it will be in such a way that
the girl can't make fun Of it afterWard
among the other girls
sisters and innumcrable girl cousins.
Tom was thoroughly conversant with
the love affairs of all of them.
There was good ground for his belief
that he knew more of the inside facts
ms to how men propose than any other
man living. His presence had never in
terrupted or postponed any account Of
a girlish adventure, Irritation or a
proposal
Its only Tom" the girls would say.
And Tom rather enjoyed the revela-
tons.
From the height Of his superior
knowledge. Tom occasionally advised
his comrades, who were less blessed
with sisters and cousins.
Its no use, Billy" he said to Billy
Baxter. who had suggested proposal
by letter as an easy way; 'it's no use
trying to dodge the inevitable. II there
Is any particular she in your case
don't try writing, for even IL she in
tends to refuse you she will write ask
ing you to call, and you must go over
the whole thing by word Of mouth, be-
fore she drops you into the depths with
mo-
"Besides, it gives the girls an awful
chance ut fellow" he continued. I'm
not calling any names, but less than
week ago | heard a letter proposal read
by the recipient, and dozen girls as
sisted in composing a suitable reply. l
furnished the stamps and posted the
letter. The poor devil is in Germany.
| also cabled my condolences. NOW
they will he appreciated when that let
ter reaches him."
Billy groAned dismally.
Il infer you've already sent your let
ter" said Tom, cheerfully.
Billy groaned again in reply.
"Now, | like the 'Barkis is willin''
plan," went on Tom. "You know Bob
Bob Treherne? Well, Bob has what
Sam Weller calls the gift of CAB very
gallopin'.' He made elaborate prepara-
lions; rehearsed before the glass; left
hand in coat front, right used in appro-
pirate gestures, head thrown back,
chest eXpanded-favorite attitude with
men who are photographed in dress
suits. Told the story Of his love Ito his
ON'n reflection in the mirror), using the
choicest diction and the most beautiful
ly rounded sentences. Make big stock
Of ideals passionate DEVOTION life's
INSPIRATION and all that Sort Pictured
to himself Bessie's downcast eyes, soft
" flushed cheeks and trembling lips.
Bob confessed all this to me recent
ly. was about S years old, and was in
the room when the actual occurrence
took place. Bob took my sisters kitten
on his lap and said Pussy. ask your
mistress IL she will marry me- And
Bess pulled Kitty's tail, saying, Tell
him yes, Pussy Then she said: Tom,
go tell father and mother that Bob and
l are engaged
Il suppose the regulation things hap
pened after l went out. But that goes
to show Of how little avail are great
preparations"
"But such abruptness might displease
some girls" suggested Billy.
$50 it might" admitted Billy: "for
instance. when Silvie was visiting Bar
hara in western Kansas, a good-lookinp
ranchman whom Silvie had met twice
galloped up one day. and when Silvie
came to the door he said: L just rode
over to see if you would marry me-
"'No, indeed! gasped Silvie. Well
the things off my mind, anyhow and
he put spurs to his horse and galloped
away. 1 admire that style myself"
But, Tom." walled Billy, you DOM
know-you were never in love-"
much you know about that" return
ed Tom promptly. 1--WE been desperate
ly in love ever since Alice Dainty CAME
to visit Marle.."
waiting good chance?" questioned
Billy, eagerly.