The Virginia enterprise. [volume] (Virginia, St. Louis County, Minn.) 1893-19??, 1906-11-23

"Of course I'm very fond OF owen
she unused. u love him very dearly
and when he's here it's all different
but when he's out at work and I'm
alone-oh, it seems SO dull to be mar
ried!" Her eyes grew wistful. 49,
She leaned forward, gazing intent
ly into the leaping flames, but it was
no longer the white-tiled hearth and
polished brass that met her view; she
was far away.
Oh, to be back there just for once,
with sunburnt hands and an old
frock, gay and careless with the home
crowd-but she paused. What would
Owen think? Had he not furnished
the fiat as daintily and beautifully
as possible to be fitting background
for her, and how disappointed he
would be il he knew how wickedly
disseminated she was.
At that instant there sounded a
sharp rat-tat at the door, and Turn
er, the maid, appeared with an Or
ange envelope and silver salver.
"A telegram" Her mistress spir
it's rose. ooh, I hope it's something
exciting, something delightful"
tone fell. mo answer she said, de-
jectedly, and, as the maid withdrew;
she tossed the crumpled missive into
the glowing fire.
Detained, don't wait dinner,
Owen A whole day alone, and now
the whole evening, too" She pouted,
and her lips trembled like a child's.
And then suddenly, as the sun
radiance overspread her face. She
drew long breath, clasped her
hands, and in ecstasy whispered: "I'll
do it,"
She ran to the clock-One of the
wedding presents, pretty, fragile
toy, Cupid swinging in a wreath of
brilliants, and peered anxiously at
the dial.
Only five! BY superhuman efforts
can catch the $40, reach Woodcote
at seven, and be with them all by
eight. What an inspiration, what
stroke of genius!" She laughed JOY
Ously, all trace of boredom vanished.
I'll he back tomorrow, and if Owen
is dining out he won't miss me for
few hours. Oh, how astonished
they'll be when 1 just walk in upon
them"
She rushed to the writing table
with an impatient swish of her skirts.
Now, must leave note behind me
on the mantelpiece, just as they do
in plays and novels" and with a tri-
umphant little laugh she dashed off
hurried one.
Dearest must not think his wife
has deserted him; she has only: run
home, and will be back early to-
morrow; her love as always"
"There!" She closed and sealed
the letter, propping it up against the
Cupid clock. '.'
The grim Turner was considerably
surprised to see her usually immac-
ulate mistress leave the house twenty
minutes later clad in shabby serge
skirt and much worn rusty tam o.
shanter.
Later that evening Mr.. Vansittart
opened the door with his latch-key;
he was tired after a long days work,
and the light and warmth of the fiat
struck an agreeable contrast to the
gloomy drizzle without.
His cheerful call of peggy, where
are your brought Turner from the
regions of the kitchen.
Mrs. Vansittart thought you
would be dining out, sir" she in
formed him, sand has gone away.
There's note for you on the mantel-
piece. What orders shall I give cook
about your dinner?'
"A note-gone away, by Jove!"
said Vansittart to himself. whats
up now?"
He tore open the envelope, and
smiled as he read. Turner watching
furtively, summed up his conduct in
one word: "Heartless''
"What?" said her master, absent
ly. "Oh, no, I'll dine at the club"
but as the door closed behind the maid
he strolled to the window mo, I'm
hanged If 1 WILL" he decided I'm
not in the mood to turn out again,
or to dress, either. I've5a good mind
to spend a bachelor evening here. { "A
bachelor evening" he repeated; mot
a bad idea. They were good old
days, after all-ease before elegance, -
he cast disappearing eye about the
room. Strange what an amount of
frippery women surround themselves
WITH T..
So he arrayed himself in. his old
smoking jacket of bygone days
piled coal on the fire, drew forward
the most comfortable chair, and pre-.
pared for enjoyment. go"
Soon clouds of smoke filled the
room, wreathings about: the delicate
hangings and damask curtains, as he
pulled away in placid content, the silk
cushions in a: mangled heap proppicr
his head. He had arranged syphon
and decanter at his elbow, his sltD.
pered feet were stretched in: the
blaze. Yes, he could get through an
evening like this quite comfortably.
So he read and smoked and dozed.
while the hours flew, After the tseryv.