The Virginia enterprise. [volume] (Virginia, St. Louis County, Minn.) 1893-19??, 1902-04-25

rain, glisten among the trees half way up
the hill. This is, in truth, princely
abode, we'll worthy to fly the pennon OF
marshal of France.
Behind wide meat and a flight of
stone steps which separate them from
the road the velvety lawns rise gently to
the perrOn, fanked by vases with flower
the private part Of the mansion, the
hedges display luminous openings and
the sheet of water where swans are
swimming lazily on its placid bosom re-
sembles mirror. Within the immense
pagoda-roofed aviary peacocks and gold
en- pheasants beat their wings and plume
themselves, while utteringg piercing cries:
Although the owners have departed
there is still no suggestion here of aban-
donment, the grand lachez-tout of war.
The oriflamme of the head of the army
has preserved everything intact, even to
the tiniest flowers of the garden, and it
startles one to find so close to the field
of battle the absolute calm which comes
from perfect order, even to the correct
alignment of the trees bordering the ave-
nue.. The rain, which everywhere else is
deep ruts, is here nothing more than a
grateful and refreshing shower, height
ening the redness of the bricks, the green
Of the grass, polishing the orange leaves,
the white plumes Of the swans.
Everything is bright and shining
amidst perfect peace. Truly, were it not
for the flag. which floats from above
door, one would never suppose this place
to be the headquarters. The horses are
snugly bestowed in the stables. Here
and there are seen body servants or Or
derlies in undress uniform lounging
about the approaches to the cuisine, or
gg a;rdenp rs .s perhaps TRANQUILITY ct work
In the dining room, the windows ;of
which open onto the perron, one sees a
table half cleared away, with lincorked
bottles, empty glasses and stained and
rumpled cloth, all indicating repast fin
ished and the departure of the CHESTS.
From an adjoining room come the min
laughter and the rolling of billiard balls.
The marshal, in fact, is in the midst of
game, and this also happens to be the
reason why the army is awaiting orders.
For be it known that when The mar
shall has once commenced his game moth
ing under heaven can prevent him from
finishing it, even though the earth should.
cease to rotate.
Billiards.!
1t is indeed, the weakness Of this
warrior indomitable. See him there, se-
rious as in, action, in Iull dress, breast
covered with medals and with eyes
bright and cheeks infamed from the
triple excitement of food, wine and play.
His aides de,camp surround him, eager,
respectful, almost dying with admiration
at each Of his strokes. When the mar
shall is thirsty each one strives for the
honor of preparing his toddy.
1t is constant brushing of epaulettes
and plumes, jingling Of swords and
aiglets; and to see these smiling faces,
tier, so much embroidery on new uni
forms, in this lofty hall, wainscoted in
oak, opening on the park and the court
of honor, this indeed recalls autumn days
at COmplegne, and presents startling
contrast to the shivering figures wrapped
in soiled cloaks, who are waiting in vain
IN dreary groups along the muddy roads.
tie staff captain, slim-waisted, with. care
fully curled hair, who happens to be
master hand at billiards and capable of
beating all the marshals on earth, but
he knows enough to hold himself at re-
spectful distance from his chief, and
plays in such a way that although he
gains not, neither does he appear to lose
too easily. In other words, he is what
one might call an officer with a future
before him.
Attention, young man! Mark we'll
what we say! The marshal has made
fifteen points and you ten. Play the
game to the end with about the same
Inference and you will have done more:
toward your advancement than if you
were outside with the others drenched by
the pouring rain, your handsome uniform
spoiled, the gold of your aiglets tar
nished, waiting for orders that come not.
1t is certainly most interesting
game. The balls roll, touch. cross each
G OF es constantly; The cushions are live
y, the very cloth grows warm.
Suddenly the fame from the discharge
OF a cannon lightens the sky. A dull
rumble makes the glasses shake. The
entire company is startled; they ex-
change nervous glances.
But the marshal, he alone has seen
nothing. heard nothing, leaning intently
%ese'9 9sis Te* shot! his special
=, Soon there is another flash, then a
third. Now there is a quick succession
of cannon shots. The aides-de-camp
rush to the windows. Have the Prus-
SLAMS actually commenced the attack?
the marshal as he chalked his cue.
Your turn, captainv'
!. The whole staff quivered with admira-
ton. Turenne, asleep on q gun car
rage, is nothing to this marshal, so calm
" continuing his play in the face of the
noise redoubles. The roars of the can
non are mingled with the rending sshots.
Of the gatling guns, the rapid firing Of.
whole platoons. A ruddy cloud, black at.
the borders. hovers over the lawn. The
confines OF the park seem to be on fire.
The ,affrighted, peacocks and Dheasantss
in the aviary begin to shrek; the Arab
Horses, smelling powder, rear in their
stalls. MI. II -.
Headquarters is terribly excited. Dis