The Virginia enterprise. [volume] (Virginia, St. Louis County, Minn.) 1893-19??, 1905-03-24

yourself-Which you have done once or
twice beforehand now you've got hope
lessly muddled between regenerated ag-
riculture and the King Cophetua and
the beggar maid business. Come down,
man; come down, and break out into
something less dangerous; invent anew
service rifie-any mortal tomfoolery you
like but tying yourself to an interesting
rural brat for the rest of your life."
Sir Henry arose with a stiffness OF de-
pertinent unknown among the accom-
p]ishments of most young men of the
present day. But, excepting in regard
to his ties, his hat, and his coats, he was
quite unlike his contemporaries.
"Good-night," he said, with crisp in
tonation.
''My dear fellow!" exclaimed Boldero,
rising also.
Sir Henry Silvering turned his back
and walked toward the door.
81 say!" called Boldero.
Sir Henry motioned with dignity to
the clerk at the desk that his bill should
follow him.
John Boldero whistled softly, raised
his eyebrows and sat down again..
On the third day of his visit, Sir
Henry decided that Lady Warrington
c:as the right person with whom to con-
suit, and he acted Immediately. Great
ly to the disappointment of his precip-
itous disposition, he found her out.
Coming away from the park, however
he met Lady Muriel with "a pair OF bois.
ferrous spaniels on leash. They seemed
the natural attendants upon her gay
hearted person, but Sir Henry rather re-
scented the presence of all three-they
did not in any way accord with his pres
ent frame of mind.
"I'm very nearly dragged to death"
laughed Lady Muriel, gayly. Been up
to see mother? She'll be awfully sorry
to have missed you. Won't you come
back? Mothers sure to be at home again
by f1ve."
"Oh-er-thanks, it's very good OF
you" began Sir Henry, without his usu-
al readiness; but it doesn't matter in
the least; only came up to"
He paused abruptly, and Lady Muriel
looked at him.
"Oh, don't mind mel" she cried, smil-
ing; I'm in the secret, and a most In.
terested party-she was one of my girls,
you know"
'"Your girls?" queried Sir Henry, un-
certainly.
Lady Muriel shook her head emphat-
ically. II once had class on Sunday,
you see, and little Eva Shelley used to
come-whenever she couldn't stay away.
Oh, you mustn't mind" she went on,
seeing the expression of confused dis
comfort that was overspreading her
companions features; "but she was
rather naughty little thing, and the
bad marks against her for bringing
taffy into class was appalling at times. u
Even if the girl had possessed any de-
sire to disillusionize Sir Henry-which
she did not-she would have been pro-
ceeding in futile manner.
He pictured to himself a wayward
sprfte, and murmured, almost uncon-
sciously: "She is very beautiful"
"she's jolly, pretty little thing, -
continued the girl, heartily.
II shall be very glad to do what can,
if you will let me-" exclaimed Lady
Muriel at length. rather breathless.
"No, will you?" responded Sir Henry,
giving vain tug at the leash. Tit
it will help me lot"
"Dear-dear little Eve!" painted Lady
Muriel. breaking into run again.
Eight days after Sir Henry Silvering's
departure, Boldero was sitting gather
paper at his club, when he experienced a
tingling slap on the shoulder 1t was not
the only cause of his springing from his
chair.
my dear Harry!" he exclaimed, shak-
ing horny hand and regarding sun
Drowned face. "How are YOU"
"Splendid-it-splen pronounc.
ed Sir Henry, with newly-acquired az
ricultural robustness. :,
''And-er-the LADY," began Boldero
feeling the delicacy of the subject after
their last parting.
"Splendid - wonderful - splendid!
cried the enthusiast. "Her people are
coming up to town next week" he added
| with a grin of delight.
"And Miss-let me see. don't think
know her name, Harry, do l ?" inquired
Boldero, cautiously
MY dear jack" exclaimed Sir Harry
in amazement; why, Muriel, of course
the only Muriel."
"Of course" repeated Boldero, and nc
one would possibly have known from
the tone of voice that he was mentally
taking himself by the scuff of his necl
and shaking it, as he added: my hearty
congratulations, Harry, old man."
"Let's go into the smoking room ant