The Virginia enterprise. [volume] (Virginia, St. Louis County, Minn.) 1893-19??, 1903-05-29

rangements without charge. I will
cable over for the suite of rooms /
occupied last year in the Boulevard
Poissonniere. They are particularly
good and well located. r.,
Beatrice agreed pleasantly, de-
clared there was no great harm done
yet, and thought the Avenue Poisson
neire would suit admirably. =
II almost forgot to thank you for
my roses. They are lovely" Bea said,
as the carriage stopped before the
opera house.
Il regret to say can't lay claim to
your thanks. They are due to some
one else," her uncle said, as they
threaded their way through the gay,
laughing, glittering throng, going in
to enjoy the splendors of the Comus
ball. h.. -,
Beatrice flushed, and smiling, and
with a look in the depths of her glo-
rious eyes as inscrutable as it was
fascinating, created more than her
ordinary sensation. She stood sur
rounded, as usual, exchanging gay
witticisms with the maskers.
The hours sped by and it was grow
ing late, and Sidney Marsh's repeated
entreaties had failed to secure for
him even a few moments of Bea's
time, and he was impatient and
hugely Disguised.
Cant you get rid Of them? They
are beastly crew. Do come in that
proscenium box with me. It's
awfully hot down here. I have SO
much I feel I must say to you. Do
come,'' Sidney Marsh urged with a
strange excitement, and evident
meaning.
.Bea shrank back and caught her
breath sharply. Her color wavered
as she looked up in the earnest.
manly face before her, and during
the short pause which followed a
thousand thoughts whirled through
her brain.
"You are very unreasonable. The
idea of seeking retirement in box
when all these delightful maskers are
around. There is one over yonder
who has been trying to reach me
for the past ten minutes"
walk with you? Certainly, if you'll
tell me who you are? Knight of the
Moon? Yes, of course. But as an
everyday mortal?" Bea moved off
ga.ly on the masker's arm without
CHANGING back.
evil you see me tomorrow at
one? You must,'' Sidney Marsh
strobe forward and said with intense
insistence. as she turned from him.
The brilliant throng closed around
her; Comus ball was more than
usually gorgeous and delightful, and
it was late when the handsomest
woman there that night leaned
YEARLY back on the cushions of her
carriage, as she was being driven
rapidly homeward.
II congratulate you, my dear. You
were without doubt the most
noticed woman and the best gowned
at the ball." Keith Shelbourne said
to his niece, sitting tired yawn.
Bea went YEARLY to bed and hoped
never to see another Carnival ball.
''Why, Bea, darling, it's awfully
late. Do get up. Open your eyes.
Here are some more exquisite roses
for you. They've just come. Hurry
and dress, and We'll go out for brisk
drive.''
Jules buried Bea's face in the sweet
wet flowers, and kissing her raptur-
ously, whispered in her ear:
''Sidney Marsh is to be here at one
O'Clock. You must see him, dearie,
in the library. Do be nice to him,
like a dear, darling angel" Then
she slipped out of the room.
Well, the crisis had come, and Bea
had to face it.
Jules was too young, but if her
ife's happiness was at stake Bea
would certainly not interfere beyond
STIMULATING for six months abroad
during the spring and summer.
In six months she thought she
would grow used to the idea, and,
as her uncle said, Sidney Marsh was
a fine man.
Beatrice's thoughts slid off while
she was fastening one of her roses
to her pale tea gown, picturing q
career of ambitious success for a
man whose strong face stood out
distinctly before her. and whose
eyes, with their pleading look, seem
ed to follow her everywhere.
There was a ring at the front door,
and a moment later card was
brought to her.
"Show Mr.. Marsh into the librarv.''
she ordered.
He was standing facing the door
when she came in.
A food of color swept over Bea's
face, then receding, left her pale as
marble.
II have come to ask NIX life's hap
piness at your hands," Sidney Marsh
said with simple directness, coming
forward and EMBEDDING her hands in
his.
"Yours?' Bea said family. "What
I'll