The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1910-05-05
irginia Of the
u ~ r By Herbert Quick
0H0S Author of
- AA1 ~~A 4~0 Double Trouble"

elderly widow, Mrs. Scott, who was
addicted to the writing of poems
of a love lorn nature. Virginiat
opinion of her new uncle's worldly
wisdom rose at this provision for
chaperonage: but she gave him too
much credit. He merely thought
of Virginia's becoming lonely.
He could not depart until sure
that Miss Virginia would not feel
sighted should he push on. Every
morning opened new avenues of
service. They began reading a
book-and they had to finish it.
She was fond of fishing. She want
ed to explore the upper reaches of
the river; they spent long days on
the stream. Mrs. Stott was afraid
OF the water-and still more afraid
of Virginia-and they went alone,
while that good lady wrote verses
and mailed them to heartless pub
fishers.
now can she do such things?"
said Virginia, one day.
why not?" inquired Theodore.
They sound good deal like-like
the other poets
But she's so puddingy!" urged
Virginia. And she has a mus
tache.
That" said he, advancing the
| spark, would not seem material.
Shakespeare had one"
Virginia was trailing her hand
through the water, and looking at
the bubbles.
"A great engineer" she said, but
you don't shine in literary crit
icism."
WAS it that kind?" he queried.
Virginia drew in her hand. The
implied rebuke stung her.
"Of course I'm nasty little cat"
said she, Ito find fault. But you
are not to jump on me like that,
unlike. l won't have it. Now, take
your old big handkerchief and wipe
my hand. It's awfully cold with
the wind blowing on It,"
Theodore complied, and held the
hand moment-to warm it. She
drew away gently, and with a
smile.
We'll have Mrs. Stott go home"
said he. Il should have known"
Now, please, uncle" said she.
don't be mad. l want her. And
I'll try to resist her inflamed SEN
timents. She doesn't bother bit
I'll say that for her.
So Mrs. Stott stayed, a most I'M
safe duenna under the circum-
stances. And Theodore stayed also.
There were many things to do.
Craighead's kilograms came in from
the east, still Delphic in signifi-
canoe. One reported that New
York was practically surrounded; "
another, that the country would
soon be "gridironed." Theodore
was deaf to voices from the outer
world. A letter from Harrod, prov
ing that the news of his return
had reached the cabin in the dunes,
lay on the old escritoire one morn
| ing. Theodore inserted paper
knife in the envelope, half cut it
open-and saw Virginia's dress
glimmering outside. The half
opened letter fell to the desk and
Uncle Theodore leaped out on the
veranda.
She came up to the gallery, and
leaned her chin on the rail.
Morning, uncle!" said she.
''Have you slept well?"
Fine"
you don't look it," said she.
"Your eyes look dull. You devote
too much time to business while
your family is asleep, don't you?"
Uncle" thought of the unopened
letter, the unanswered kilograms,
the neglected business, Mr.. Wad-
dy's money, the uncompleted aero
nef, the sleepless nights, tormented
by-not business, at all, not busi-
ness! Decidedly not!
Il slept too soundly". said he.
whats the program for today?"
She wanted some magnolia bios
SONS. Uncle Theodore thought
there might be some down about
Weeks bay, where they came
early.
Put on your hat" said he. Have
Shloe pack up luncheon, and we'll
go down."
"Done!" cried she. you're the
best OF uncles! Let's to break
fast! Can't we catch speckled
trout?"
I'VE ought to get all We want"
said Theodore.
And cook him over a fire."
Certainly" said Theodore. and