The Virginia enterprise. [volume] (Virginia, St. Louis County, Minn.) 1893-19??, 1903-10-16

II. FlLLlNGaAM measured all
m things by money and as young
Midway, who had had the temerity to
fall in love with the financier's daugh-
ter, possessed but a limited portion of
this universally coveted commodity,
though gifted with a fair amount of
brains and good looks. Mr.. Filling
hams action in sternly forbidding ANY
more nonsense" as he unfeelingly put
it, between Phyllis and the young man
was perhaps justified.
The blow had fallen with brutal sud-
denness, for Mr.. Fillingham was not
the kind of individual who was likely
to adopt half measures out of mere
consideration for the feelings of 9TH
ers. The tender affair was to cease
right away. All further intercourse
was promptly forbidden.
1t is not in the nature of things,
however, for two fond hearts thus
ruthlessly rent asunder to submit I'M
questiontngly to such an unreasoning
decree of fate. Within the week of the
fiat going forth the two had met. Not
that there was anything clandestine
In 1t. That was not young Medway's
style. Walking boldly up to the for
hidden Fillingham mansion one likely
afternoon he had asked for the finan-
cier's daughter and had been received
For the moment parental obedience
had yielded to Cupid's more resistless
claims. And could Mr.. Fillingham
himself, five minutes later, have seen
the lovely tear-stained face which
looked appealingly~ into young Med
ways he might, perhaps, have realized
the utter hopelessness of attempting
to change the course of true love.
what can we do?" wept Phyllis
with tear-dimmed eyes, whose beauty
was still unimpaired by their grief.
Must we part for ever? Cannot you
think of something. George? Surely
there must be some way Of" The
tears choked further utterance and
George frowned deeper in the intensity
of his emotion.
ssThere is only one way I can think
Of" he replied slowly, land that is
- He paused and looked steadily
at Phyllis, who returned his gaze with
questioning eyes and red. parted lips.
'What?" she breathed eagerly
ITO elope," declared George, calmly.
The beautiful eyes grew wider still
in their startled gaze; then, dropping
them, Phyllis hid her face in her hand
kerchief.
1.-TWO hundred pounds is all I pos
sess in this world" proceeded Med
way, encouraged by these manifesta-
lions; 'but I have got my wits, and
with your love in the bargain, dear
est, to help me through, I shall sue
< ceed." He paused, but Phyllis face
was still invisible and he proceeded in
his argument.
There is thing l have on hand
which might lead to a few extra hun
dreds," he declared with business
like persuasion. II have known OF
thousands made out of poorer
chance. An option to purchase some
property, dearest; though, of course
YOU don't understand these things"
Once more he paused, but presently
proceeded:
'FWhy should we part" he urged
''at the bidding of another who can.
not appreciate our love? Why, ever
though it be at your fathers word
should we sacrifice that which car
alone make life dear to us? Speak
darling! What is your choice? TT
come with one who will love and cher
ish you till his latest breath, or'-hi.
voice sshook-''to say farewell TO,
ever?"
At this last touching appeal the lit
tie handkerchief was moved swift,
from the face; pair of bright, trustfu
y eyes met his for a second; then clasp
z ing her arms about his neck Phylli,
hid her face on his shoulder.
II will come" she whispered.
The little romance had been arrange,
with businesslike dispatch. A few o
Mr. Fillingham's friends from the cit,
were to dine with him the followin,
day. Most Of them were known t.
+ Midway, keen business men who dab
bled in house property, land and tn
flotation Of companies with zest an,
sharpness known only. to those VIII,
had once come in contact with them