The Virginia enterprise. [volume] (Virginia, St. Louis County, Minn.) 1893-19??, 1905-01-06
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He hesitated.

son. and with the slight, rather dreary
smile OF one who knows much of life
and the nature he deals with, he added:
Il expected you"
Helen paled but remained speeches.;
there was that in her which condemned
her to silence. Day after day she went
about those little duties that added so
much comfort to his life. He noticed
how perfect had become her beauty,
how easy nd graceful all her move
ments, the dignity that rested on her
brow. On the other hand she saw how
gray her husbands hair had grown,
how sad the handsome mouth, how
stern the eyes that of yore lighted
up so easily.
The evening was dreary; the Colonel
had not been in to dinner. It was
drilling and the atmosphere was
heavy with sadness. OF late Mr.. Hunt
was frequently absent, and his silent
moods seemed to have become habit
ual, so much that he spoke with evil
dent effort Was this home? Was it
life? Was this state of affairs the price
to be paid for the eminence whence
she had shone for while? Could she
keep this up? The great world had not
yet forgotten her, she learned from
the letter before her. It was one of
those letters that had always thrilled
her. Should she hesitate? Should she
go across the seas with this loved one?
The letter fell at her feet while she
unused; then, turning to the table, she
took up a card requesting that Colonel
and Mrs. Hunt would he present at
the opening of the Clifford library,
and an accompanying note asked IF
she would lend the attraction of her
voice to the programme, etc." She had
given much time to this, years before:
now that the good was at last accom-
plished what did she care?-to be seen
with him, smiling her part-what q
farce was this!
Her hands were tightly clasped. Five
weeks since her return, and not q word
of welcome, not sign of joy; her quiet
efforts were met with distrust. Moth
ing but this intolerable silence! What
attitude could she take but to seek
refuge in pride?
At last she heard her husbands foot
steps in the hall; he hesitated, then
walked into the bright sitting room, so
elegant and snug since her return.
After space of oppressive silence,
as he stood on the hearth rug, he
picked up the letter lying at her feet
The sight of the writing made his heart
stand still, his delicacy once more
caused him to hesitate; but, suddenly
resolute, he turned to the closing words
and signature, which ran:
In conclusion beg you not to con-
slider my pleasure nor interests at
stake. Lady W. knows how you are
situated, and, like myself, approves of
my noble Helen's choice. With loving
friendship. FRANCES"
The letter fell from his hand, and
his voice, as he spoke, sounded cold
and distant:
Helen, it Is a relief to know at last
that your mysterious correspondent is
the woman whose spirituality has won
for her the reverence of two worlds.
This choice referred TO- but his
wifes listless air, as she gazed into the
fire, made him add bitterly: "You must
excuse me, once more intrude upon
your privacy"
Again there was silence. "You must
be cold," said she, at last, in voice Of
studied calm.
Eyes, but might be still colder in
few days." =
"How so?"
II might take journey to the far
northwest, and be absent many weeks,
nay, months; in fact, it is hard to say
how long. The railroad company needs
man of energy in those wilds, and it
has honored me with the choice"
Her voice was still cold as she asked:
lis it of much advantage to you? Could
the journey be avoided?"
Eyes, there is some advantage,
though have work on hand. l must
give definite answer within "a hours"
"Well," said her clear, proud voice,
you must not 60. It is too much ex-
| posture; I see a way. out of this situa-
ton. feel 1 have once more dis
turbed your life, and should not have
returned; clearly my presence is UNI
welcome. No, do not speak. At last
you give me occasion to say that which
have long wished to say to you.
intend once more to take up the career
l had chosen and in which met with
success" Mistaking the nature Of his
! silence, her pride rose above her suf-
| fering, and she continued: 1.-TWO per-
sons who have become utterly indif-
| ferent cannot thus impose their pres
ence upon one another My journey to
England She was near the door
against which he already stood; al
ready he caught her wrists in his
strong hands and in hoarse whisper
! asked:
els this your choice?"
! She remaine,. silent
"Why have you returned? l must
have the truth
With tears in her eyes, she said: