The Virginia enterprise. [volume] (Virginia, St. Louis County, Minn.) 1893-19??, 1902-03-21
lZ2RZG. GIN. CHAEEEEG
graceful phrase would have been at your
tongues end had YOU taken one m0ments

graceful phrase would have been at your
tongues end had you taken one moments
thought is a mere trifle."
"A 'trifle light as air. perhaps?'
The captain shot a swift glance at
her, and was satisfied that no meaning
lay behind the comparison.
But this is TO such light matter,'' con-
man has been running! Now, captain,
my woman's curiosity is all afame.'
She held the letter in both hands
what is in it %
The captain was gradually recovering
his breath and his self-control. He
laughed lightly. Nothing, Miss Con-
stance, l assure you, beyond slight mis-
take"
"A mistake? An, see-you have mis-
spelled a word" She laughed gleefully.
Now l shall be even with you for the
line from 'Richeleu' that thought was
Shakespeare 's-about which you jokel
me so mercilessly."
mo. it was just this. 1t seemed such
a beautiful day. wrote asking yot to
"Ah, hope constancy in wind'-apd so
you FASTENED to tell me about the wind ~
And noticed a cloud"
mans hand':'
How apt you are at quotations to
day! No: it was rather large cloud
weasel, camel, or whale?"
Neither" he said reddening; and
then added brazenly, 1T was more like q
church steeple."
"A church steeple!-ah. that should
bring luck. think should rather like
sail today, despite the possible antics
of the wind and the threatening church
steeple."
1,o11 !, 1ol
in your service. Only, l thought it right
to warn you."
"Thanks for the timely warning, but
| now that we have decided to go ! must
get ready. Will you excuse me? I shall be
but a few Moments She moved toward
| the door.
"Miss Constance, you have forgotten
something" A dark-red spot burned on
either of Capt Maddix's cheeks.
"What is it," She paused in surprise.
my letter. Give it to me, please
| She looked down at the letter in her
hands. But l thought you had told me
| all there was in it, and | wish to keep
this letter as souvenir. You have writ
ten me so few letters, and have fancy
that you may never write me another"
"Givc me the letter, Miss Constance
| There was dangerous light in his eyes.
He looked ready to take it from her by
| force.
Constance called softly over her Shout
der, "Mr. Sylvester!' and there entered
from the library at the end of the hall
Miss Lanisdale's young imam of bust
| ness His tie was as lacking in dis
tinctive elegance as ever, and his clothes
were as devoid Of style. But the gray
eyes were even more steady than usual,
the chin more aggressive, and he was
less conscious of his hands and feet.
The hands, indeed, were involuntariiy
| clenched, and seemed ready, at brief no
tice, for athletic action.
She had a witness within call, then.
The red spots deepened on the handsome
| captains cheeks, but he nodded careless
i ly. The lawyer returned the nod coldly.
''Mr. Sylvester" said Constance, stand
| ing between the two men, Il have nice
legal point for you to determine A let
! ter has been sent to me. signed (pre.
sumablyl, sealed and delivered into my
| hand. The sender appears and claims
the letter back. To whom does it be.
long"
ITO you, assuredly.''
"And the writer is bound by what the
letter contains?''
! "Certainly."
rs that the law?''
THAT is the law"
But am l quite right in trusting to
your decision ?" She turned gayly to the
other. Capt. Maddix, 1 must appeal to
You now. A man to whom l say do
thus and so,' and who does the opposite;
man to whom say procure me such
and such an investment,'' and who de,
lays, against my expressed wishes, think.
ing he knows better than I what is best
for MEAN I right, Capt. Maddix, to
trust such q man?''
The captain looked somewhat dazed
He made no reply.
IYou 90 not answer? Then I must de-
eide for myself" She approached neare,
to Sylvester.
"Capt. Maddix wished ME to sail with
him." she said, "but later he found the
wind had changed. I may make a voy.
age, but fain would sail with one who
fears! neither adverse wind nor cloudy
weather." Her young face was raised
to his. The gay smile had vanished. ani
her lips were grave. "WM you go with
me?"
II will" replied Sylvester.
1T shall be for better, for worse?"
| For better, for worse"
"For richer, for poorer?''