The Virginia enterprise. [volume] (Virginia, St. Louis County, Minn.) 1893-19??, 1902-02-07
Cupid on Runners

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= ITTLEWOOD PHILLIPS had
lh been in love with Mildred Far
rington for two years, ever since
he first met her at the Hallowells'
ard party. He had no good reason to
loubt that his love was returned, yet
30 fearful was he that he had misread
uer feelings, so much did he dread her
refusal of his suit that he had never
limited that she was more to him than
any of the girls he had met at the
church sociables and card parties in
Newington. Innumerable chances for
declaration OF love had offered them
selves, for he was a regular caller at
he harrington mansion, but he was no
nearer the goal Of his desires to-day
than he had been when Cupid first
aimed his dart at him.
SO matters stood when a snowfall
hat brought sleighing in it's wake WIS.,
ted Newington, and Littlewood be-
anne conscious Of the fact that he had
ride with him. or course he must
;'erforce bring matters to a crisis now.
lie was afraid that Judge Harrington
would be asking his intentions and it
would be humiliating to have such a
question come before he could refer
lin to the girl for an answer. No, be-
You'd doubt he must pluck up cour-
age enough to ask her to be his wife
u else cease calling upon her-an al
.eruative that chilled his heart
IAttlewood handed Miss harrington
into the sleigh, stepped in himself,
tucked in the robes, and chirruped to
he horse. That intelligent animal did
1ot move. A flush Of modification DER
spread the face Of the would-be lover.
halky horse, and at the start! What
chance would he have to deliver his
precious message. He spoke again to
he horse. but it stood STILL
You might unhitch him, Mr.. Phil
lips. That would help" said Mildred,
in her sweet voice.
"Oh, yes-to be sure. I must have
tied him. I-think l did hitch him"
There seems to have been hitch
somewhere" she answered.
The frosty night seemed to have set
seal upon her lips, for as they sped
,ve- the crunching snow and left the
own behind them she was silent.
Il must have offended her I've prob
ably made break Of some kind" said
Littlewood to himself. How unfortu-
nate. But must tell her tonight. 1t
S now or never. This afternoon Is too
marked to pass as mere courtesy Of
the winter season. She knows I never
took anybody but my mother sleigh
riding before"
Then began process Of nerying him.
self to the avoWal. Mildred" And
hen he stopped. He had never called
her Mildred before. Il have something
Of the greatest Importance to say to
you"
Did he imagine it, or did she nestle
closer to him? He must have been
mistaken, and to show that he was
lutte sure he edged away from her as
much as the somewhat narrow confines
Of the sleigh would allow.
What do you wish to say, Mr.. Phil
lips?'
Mister" Phillips. All, then she was
offended. To be sure, she had always
:alled him that, but after his last re-
mark 1t must have an added signifi-
canoe.
do you like sleighriding?'
why, of course, or else wouldn't
have come"
mo, to be sure not. Thought that
Was why you came"
Mildred turned her brown eyes upon
him. I'm afraid J don't understand
you.'
That settled it. If she didn't under.
stand him when he talked Of nothing
in particular, he must be blind in his
utterance, and he could never trust his
tongue to carry such heavy freight
As declaration Of love. No, there was
nothing to do but postpone it. After
III, her house was the best place for
ii.
The night was ravishing, the sleigh
bells jingled tremendously, the horse
swept OH with steady, rhythmic stride,
and under the influence of the sweet
surroundings Mildred at last said point
eGly: els 1t so that more people get en-
gagged in winter than in summer? She
blushed as she spoke. It was unmaid-
emily. but he was such dear stupid.
Now he would declare himself. But
she did not know the capabilities for
self-repression Of her two-year admir-
er.
He said to himself: IF l were un-
nr;nainlod I mould tolo adxaa4 IA