The Virginia enterprise. [volume] (Virginia, St. Louis County, Minn.) 1893-19??, 1902-12-12
IN DEFIANCE OF AUTHORITY

ri ting his hand hover irresolutely
over the chess board, "has it ever
occurred to you that it would be al
extremely nice arrangement if those
two children of ours would fall in love
with each other? You and l are get.
ting along in years-eh, old friend 2
and I'd like to see Lila settled in q
home of her own before the order
comes for taps. There is no one in the
world would rather give my daughter
to than Billie; the boy is white clear
through-he could scarcely be anything
different, though, and his fathers SON.
l can't imagine why they DON'T" con.
tinued the Colonel, argumentatively;
they like each other all right, and are
always together-riding, playing golf
or something-but never a thought OF
building a nest of their own. Just
listen to that, will you?' he broke off.
Through the library doorway came
the blithe notes Of a rollicking duet,
sung by two happy, care-free young
voices. A tender smile blossomed on
Lawyer Reeds clean-shaven lips
BLESS their hearts" he said, softly.
Nothing would give me greater salts.
faction or happiness, Phil, than to have
what you mentioned come to pass. I've
had the same thought myself, and hint.
ed at something of the kind to Billie
once"
"Well?' said Col. Bradlee, tentative.
~.
The young rascal laughed at me; said
the idea was absurd; that while Lila
and he were the best Of chums, and all
that, there was no thought Of any non
sense Of that sort between them. Billie
hinted," went on the lawyer, ruefully,
that I had better. stick to chess, and
let match making alone"
LILA appears to be of about the same
opinion" remarked the Colonel, dryly.
"She called me an old goose to be
thinking Of such things. l call it flying
In the face Of Providence'- blocking
an unexpected onslaught on his queen
for II ever two people were made
for each other, it was those two, and
they haven't the sense to see it,
John Reed nodded, then all at once
smote his knee softly with his hand.
'..Phil," he said, lowering his voice, do
you remember that white mule we
used to have at headquarters-in' 65?''
ben Johnson's mule?" replied the
Colonel; with reminiscent grin. "Of
course 1 do. The boys used to say
that when Ben wanted that mule to 70
anywhere he'd lead him in the opposite
direction, yell Cit up! at him. and old
Caesar would wheel and run the other
way like a deer"
Young human nature and mule ma
ture are good deal similar some
times" remarked the lawyer, slgniti-
cantly, leaning back in his chair.
Vague comprehension began to dawn
OH Colonel Bradlee's countenanca. DO
you think we might work something of
the sort, jack" he Queried, eagerly.
I'D do most anything to bring it about,
short Of putting my girl on bread and
water-or not kissing her.
John Reed rose to his feet. "Philip
Bradlee," he said, In a serious voice,
prepare to have your innermost feel.
ings outraged. I am going to insult
you-For goodness sake, Phil" he
whispered, as he perceived a look OF
blank establishment sweep over his
friends face, don't look like that; it'a
only bluff! Play your part, man, and
don't give me away"
He swept the chess board of the ia.
BILE with q bank. Colonel Bradlee, u
he cried loudly, angrily. this is not the
first time 1 have caught you trying to
AXE an unfair advantage. but it's the
last game I'll play with 49,"
Something choked his speech, but
the Colonel rose to the situation like a
aero. Leave my house," he roared,
you insulting-er-er-pe ttifoggerw he
wound up, triumphantly.
There was a sudden rush into the Ii.
brary. and dismayed chorus, Father!
Colonel Bradlee!"
you, too, sir!'' yelled the Colonel.
Don't you dare set foot In my house
again! Lila-if know of your having
anything more to do with the son OF
John Reed, Ill-I'll-disown you!
They're a pair Of"
Billie Reed grasped his fathers arm
Come, father" he said, proudly, ''Col
onel Bradlee has forgotten that he is 8
gentleman!'
AS the pair marched stif1y erect
through the library door the lawye,
cautiously turned his head; but Lila's
eyes were too full Of tears to intercept
the deliberate wink he shot at the maj
he had so basely insulted.
They'll never consent" said Liza
dolefully. She was standing with Bill,
! Reed behind the grape arbor In he
fathers yard week later, and even =.
| di1intefe9ted SDectatorE would haya