The Virginia enterprise. [volume] (Virginia, St. Louis County, Minn.) 1893-19??, 1905-07-21
They are" she replied; and nov

We are here, all friends, together,
am going to- tell you the story OF my
life, which Is known to but very few
Rose among the number. My parents
| are dwarfs and exhibit in a circus II
England. l was sent to this country
when I was quite q child to be edu'
Gated. was placed in charge of Mrs
Weston, who saw in me q resemblance
to a child she had lost. I visit my
parents frequently, and they are de-
voted entirely to my happiness"
There was profound silence aftel
this astonishing revelation, which
came so suddenly that Rose with al
her tact knew not what to say. She
dared not glance at Tom, who wal
not an adept at concealing his feelings
and she feared his intense surprise
would hurt Pearl. He was the first
to break the silence.
my dear Miss Craig" he said with
kindly smile, lit does indeed seem
odd that one so tall should come of q
family peculiarities. have brother
who is his own uncle!"
tom, what are you talking about
exclaimed Rose in relieved tones.
1T is true," he persisted. HE mar
ried his step aunt, and Of course his
aunt's husband would be his uncle!"
Pearl laughed heartily, and Rose felt
that she did indeed love him for TAX.
ing the astounding information SO
easily. Lionel recovered himself and
began questioning Pearl about her life
and her parents, az if it were most
ordinary statement she had made
Stephen alone was tongue-tied and i'll
at ease.
"He looks,," thought Rose, "like q
man who has had most terrible
shock
When he finally spoke, it was ia
propose departure. Lionel acquiesced
and asked Pearl if he might escort he1
home, but she explained that she was
staying with Rose. Stephen merely
bowed his adieu.
''I'll never again." reflected Rose
Judge man by appearances. They
both acted just the reverse of what
1 expected
In the evening Tom came again
but this time alone.
II thought" said Rose, that Lionel
would come up with your"
Lionel has just left the city. He
had an urgent summons away, and
sent goodbye to you both"
EFT tn, Brute" thought Rose, glanc.
ing at Pearl, who seemed in no ways
disturbed by the information.
Miss PEARL" said Tom, thinking ia
break an awkward moment, "Rose
says you play. Can't you give US
some music?"
Certainly; if you and Rose will 60
in the next room to listen, will play
you some dreamy, slow music
This was quite satisfactory to Rose
and Tom, and they went into the IL
brary. AS Pearl sat at the piano, her
fingers wandering tremendously over
the keys, the maid announced caller,
but Pearl was so absorbed in the mu-
sic, she did not hear the announce
ment
PEARL" said a manly voice beside
her.
She gave a little, nervous start and
looked up from the piano to see Ste
phen standing at her side.
pearl, am glad to find yea alone.
I have loved you for long time, as
you must know. I didn't know how
much until I heard your little story
to-day. 1t seemed to me I must take
you then and there into my arms
could not speak without telling you
loved you, so I came now to ask you
if there is any hope Pearl"
Il WONDER" said Rose to Tom, why
Pearl has stopped playing. W.
mustn't neglect her."
She crossed the long room and part
ed the portieres. Instantly she returned
to Tom.
"Well," he asked, why isn't she
making music?"
''She is" laughed Rose; rbut It's q
song without words"