The Virginia enterprise. [volume] (Virginia, St. Louis County, Minn.) 1893-19??, 1902-05-16


a certain amount OF interest in him, but,
to ms relief, did not cross-examine him
on his identity. Nevertheless, the half
smiling way in which she looked at him
made him feel uncomfortable
Maud was playing listless game of
with Quarter Latin tie. Curtis found.
to mis- dismay, that he had distaste for
long hair. Mrs. Curtis was supporting
hel self on his arm while she took her
morning walk round the grounds. They
mad been talking about nothing in partic.
u.ar.
You knew the first baron?' she asked
suddenly. looking at him with that hu-
morous smile which somehow seemed to
ccnct al quiz.
Yes" he replied with difficulty; that
is. knew a lot about him.
he was hard man, they say"
tie was, was hardly hard used" Curtis glanced
had heard of his fathers early love at
fair. Mrs: Curtis, he thought, looked
PANIED, so he hastily added: ''As a mat
ter of fact he was the easiest of mortals,
the best of fathers:', ~~~J
as She s;h looked S;Ih at thl a! iEeetly he
hers.
The most affectionate of husbands"
be continued fercely, and felt almost sat
isfied when she WINGED; certainly not
hard man.
Perhaps, THEM" she muttered feebly,
he took things too easily
Only the enemy's guns, madam" re-
piled Curtis, with a laugh, and looking
into her eyes, dimmed counterparts Of
her daughters. Other things, in nv
opinion. he too easily let CO."
A flush of enjoyment lit up her pale
face; her eyes sparkled; and, knowing
fully what he meant, she bowed in state
ly sarcasm.
He returned her bow with frank
laugh.
You remind me- she said, "of the
Man with the Iron Mask
He felt that the remark was intended
as an invitation. He did not mind hav-
ing his identity discovered: but he felt
that to explain himself at this stage to
the mother would De Slight to the
| daughter. At the same time to continue
| the present conversation would b. to in
suit Mrs. Curtis power of perception So
he led her to an armchair which he had
previously, with designing forethought,
placed under an elm tree, Tor the sun
was still warm.
There are few masks, Mrs. Curtis"
he said. which your eyes could not
pierce. II l seem to wear one. 1 will
He thought she understood his dift1cu)-
ty, for as he raised his hat and returned
to go she laughed and said ''Thanks."
AS he walked towards the croQuet lawn
Maud made a suspiciously bad shot at
her last hoop, and the long-haired man
won easily.
He thought his cousin looked particularly
charming this morning, with her cheeks
slightly-very slightly-fushed. and her
dark hair tastefully disarranged by the
sea breeze.
You We're awfully good to chat to my
mother" she began.
You" J mother is very charming wom~
I'm So glad you like her. Let us go to
''On the contrary, I am going to take
you for stroll, if may
But I am afraid she will expect me-"
Curtis was, however, by this time deter
out of the mess into which he had unsus-
pectingly run, and which was disgusting
~ like something Of which he always had
profound horror-a breach Of good
taste. s....:
Il don't think she will expect YOU"
he said. Somehow he felt fiurried and
upset at The task before him. -,
"Indeed"J .~ ;>~,, - - = "a
"Fact is, she knows there's something
l want to talk to you about He did not
look at her face, Or ne would have seen
her color rise and then fall. -
SAS hAOVS MI. CurIlSs
.'Well, think she knows. OF course
I didn't say anything to her before L had
seen you; but i fancy she had an inkling
of my feelings - 80 u " a
Certainly, have not known you very
long, Mr.. Curtis" -this sentence was very
emphatic; but you have not seemed very
transparent to me- Il Il :s' + i7e2%
He had led her to "a nook. concealed
from the house and from the lawn. Here
was placed q rustic seat; and as, at his
request, she sat down, he could not help
noticing that she looked severe, il not
angry. I s :s.3, s ~ +
didn't know when I came here" he
began: that ! was going to land myself
in such q ness : $..sa ;, 80
She drew a long breath, and he turned
round to her so suddenly that she was:
really frightened, Sand rose hurriedly
Stay one moment" he said. Maud.
have something to say to you you will
not mind my using your Christian name
when You have heard what 1t is 8
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