The Virginia enterprise. [volume] (Virginia, St. Louis County, Minn.) 1893-19??, 1902-12-12
dies-his great-uncle, I should say. You
know all about that affair Hn flow. II

Know alI ABOUT that affair, .Hatley; 1t
ought to come to me, but I rather Offend
ed the old boy, and he's going to give 1t
to Arthur. It's all the same Well, Ar
thur wouldn't be a bad match for Miss
Davenport. But he wants a good oppor
tunity; he couldn't get real fair chance
among Ill the fellows who crowded about
her. That is why I come to you.''
49," he continued. II thought I
would ask you if you would invite him
to stay with you for fortnight. know
that the Manor is not far from the Da-
venport country house, and that you are
always seeing them. That would throw
Arthur into her society, and he would
have the field almost to himself. At the
same time. the fact of his being with you
would act as a recommendation with
Miss Davenport"
II don't think I have much influence
over Miss Davenport" protested Maj.
Hat]ey.
ooh, haven't you!" exclaimed the COL
onel. "Why, Arthur says that she thinks
an awful lot of you. Those were his
very words. She is always mentioning
you in some connection or other, and vol.
could influence her more than her own
father. The MAJOR she calls you, and
it's always something about the major
so Arthur says"
'Let him come to me and stay as long
as he ikes!" he cried heartily. II am
ready to do good turn to your son or
l cannot guarantee the result, of course
AS Maj. Hatley went home he unused
on this request.
ut will be best, after all, to see her
settled. He's q good lad, know, so l
hope he will make her happy. I wonder
what made me say was going back I'M
mediately? Still, it will be as we'll as
stopping here. I can put a. word in for
young Wallis before he comes. All, me!
He hasn't gray hair and mustache!"
The Davenports were surprised and
pleased to see him back earlier than iii
tended. Trixie welcomed him warmly,
and the major thought of his promise
How should he introduce the subject OF
young Wallis? He wondered if he could
begin the conversation by reminding her
of her childish remark-"I'll marry you
when Pm growed up!"-and then lead on
to Arthur.
II have wondered of late" he said. 20.
ing boldly to the subject as they walked
side by side, "why you have not accepted
some young fellow for a husband. [ an
sure that you had good selection
II dent want some young fellow TO,
husband MAJOR she replied, quoting
his own words.
ut would be better than some old man
some man with gray hair-would 1t
not"
81 really,'' she began, hesitatingly.
Then, observing that his eyes were fixed
on hers, she blushed prettily. Major"
she said simply, Il suppose it would be
regarded as very unwomanly, but am
going to do it. told you as child that
would marry you when I was big
enough, and I am still of that opinion p
She held out her hand. DO you think
am big enough YETI"
Maj. Hatley asked himself if he could
believe the evidence of his ears and eyes
He realized what he had felt, but had
tried to hide from himself, namely, that
he loved this girl as passionately as man
could love. Yet, was it fair to her,
II am gray-haired, Trixie," he said
gravely, but taking her hand as if he
feared that she would agree with him
and drew away, "and-'
Il like it," responded Trixie. II have
not changed my mind since was little
girl. If you think am now 'growed up
then am ready"
The major felt rather ashamed of his
promise to Arthur Wallis not having
been kept, but he wrote frankly to Col.
Wallis, and his explanation was accept.
ed just as frankly. ..
Thus it came about that Trixie became
Mrs Major" and the union has been
blessed with the greatest happiness
New York News.