The Virginia enterprise. [volume] (Virginia, St. Louis County, Minn.) 1893-19??, 1910-07-22

ma, reyeling in the clean and quiet
of the little place, began with her old
quickness, to &c the simple meal. She
put potatoes to bake in the oven,.
found some baked beans to warm up,
and bit of steak to fry at the last
minute, and made ready to brew the
tea. She spread the red and white
cloth and set the table daintily-Liz
just slapped things on, anyway.
But she put on only one plate and
cup-if he should ask her to stay, she
could 400 another. The neighbors
might talk If she remained, but her
soul longed for long, leisurely meal,
and a talk with some one her own
age, without the interruption Of the
children, or the half lis
tening of Liz. William Best had gone
to school with her and David.
When she had done all that she
saw to do, she smoothed her poor plu-
mage with the alacrity of a bird, and
sat down to wait, with her feet on the
hearth. She would not drink tea till
he came. What would he have to say?
When she had waited what she
thought was an age, and had at last
put the meat on to cook, she heard his
| step on the walk. He looked about
moment, then walked to the cup
board for another plate, cup. knife,
fork and spoon. He put them on the
table.
You'll have to stay to supper" he
said from the sink, where he was
washing his hands. II left word for
John to come fetch you. I guess
bungled the job some. took the
things and the money, and told my
little stories. but Liz was considerable
riled. Seems she sent Miry to the
store to see what come of you, and
you must a dropped the check in
there, for they found it on the floor.
LIZ said was interferin' and jawed
some, but stuck to it that you had
spell and I guess she believes that
J much"
Grandma was dishing up the appe:
tiztng meal and Liz wrath was not so
] close that it worried her at the mo-
ment At least an hour or so of peace
was hers, and she would enjoy it to
the fullest. She made the tea and the
two sat down to eat.
guess perhaps you better stay
here-for always, I mean, Mary.
There's enough for two, and like q
tidy woman like you about. There's
too many in that house, don't see
how you've stood it so long-and too
few in this. You come over here just
to even things up!"
"John-wouldnt like it-how could
~ she stammered, with the pervers-
ness OF woman, at seventeen or sew
| enty, refusing to understand.
| If you married me, John couldn't
say nothin', could he? He's a good
enough son, but he's at work, and you
really have to live with his wife-be-
sides, you know I always liked you,
Mary, from a mite of girl up, and
even as David's wife-an' all. He
wouldn't mind my lookin' after you.
and it can't be done any other way
as can see. Can it,"
! Mary Simpson shook her head:
then she began to cry softly into her
apron. He rose and patted her
shoulder.
You needn't say nothin' to any Of
them, Mary? You 60 home with John
and Monday mornin' I'll get license
and Preacher Cottreu and you can
slip over here about noon and we'll
be married and no one can help it.
| What do you say?"
The old lady dropped her apron
and looked up at him.
! II believe I'd like it real we'll,
William. My little pension would help
out some and I've always wanted q
little garden and never had one since
David died. It seems too good to be-
true"
William Best went back to his place
at the table, content, and she poured
him another cup of tea. Then, sud-
denly, she put her apron to her eyes
| again.
What in tunket ails you, woman?"
he asked, anxiously.
IL amt fit," she shifted.
"You-you're goods gold-Tve
known you all your born life, WON
AM" He waited for her to explain.
Il mean-that I amt got thing
fit to be married int"
Even old man Best could not re-
frain laugh at that.
You're all alike-you women! You
beat old Whites cattle! l bet Eve
cried for white silk dress to be mar
ried in. Finish your supper, woman,
and I'll get my mothers black silk
out O. that chest in the corner there.
It's good as new and you can take a
tuck-or something in it. Father
brought it home from sea, and it was
the finest dress in the village in it's
time. She never wore it to speak of.
Then John knocked and entered,
kindly, but rough, and took his moth
er home. And Grandma Simpson
didn't care in the least what her
daughter-in-law might say-she could
endure anything till Monday.