The Virginia enterprise. [volume] (Virginia, St. Louis County, Minn.) 1893-19??, 1910-11-11

IL was so astonished to see
yox," she stammered. Il just stopped
TOTO make sure you were-'
"A man and not a faun," he sug!
gested helpfully.
NO." she contradicted, frowning,
that you were asleep and not-not
dead. You see, I have never before
seen a man in these wilds, and"
mot even a dead one?" he inter-
rupted, laughing.
mo" She smiled distantly. Not
even tramp. And I wondered-1
thought"
II was here yesterday" he re-
preached her.
HE saw mel" she thought indig-
nantly. HE thinks l came down here
today on the chance of meeting him,
the concetted-'
Il paddle down here every day."
she informed him coldly.
"Oh, really!" he exclaimed, with
open delight. ITS awfully nice Of
you to tell me. I'll be here fishing
every afternoon, and"
uAuA uedu ludt, Suo udoASu
back furiously.
He looked detected. Pardon me"
he said, II don't suppose you did. I
merely meant that-that-~Oh please
don't CO., as she prepared to push
off. Selling fallen branch he dex-
terously hooked it through the long
rope that was tied to the bow of her
canoe, and drawing it toward him
grasped it firmly. II simply meant"
he proceeded with calmness, that I
was coming here, always, every after
noon to fish. You don't mind that, do
you?" he inquired humbly.
Il don't care in the least what you
do" she retorted, with angry disdain.
He gave the rope couple Of turns
around his wrist and settled himself
comfortably.
In that case I shall sit here and
talk to you," he announced.
For answer Zoe pulled herself care
fully toward the bow and began to
work busily at the knot that secured
her end of the rope to the little iron
ring in the bow of the canoe.
"Of course, I might offer to help
you,' he unused aloud, 'but under the
circumstances What! You're CO.
ing to give 1t up? Well, that is more
sensible. I'm afraid that knot was
put in to stay"
Zoe moved back to her former po-
sitiOn and rearranged herself on the
cushions, after which she opened her
book and began to read and MUNICH
chocolates.
He watched her a moment
isn't this idyllic?' he murmured
contentedly.
Zoe helped herself to another choc
olate and turned page of the book.
The minutes waned. Half an hour
passed-an hour. The silent and
peaceful companionship worked like
resentment. An unconscious happi-
ness and contentment stole into her
heart. She risked a glance at him.
He was thoroughly mice. she de-
cided.
At this moment, as If sensing her
softened mood, he leaned over and
peered into the canoe.
"Greedy!" he murmured. "Only
three left!"
Zoe struggled with herself. then
laughed.
Wont you throw the rope back
now, please?" she begged. 1T Is late
and have some distance to paddle"
He looked contrite. I've been a
BRUTE" he apologized humbly, "but
just couldn't help it. knew il
once let you go that would be the
end of me-you'd simply disappear
forever And-and really, you know,
it's lonely about here"
isn't 1t!' agreed Zoe, with quick
sympathy.
And so why" he asked eagerly.
Shouldn't we amuse each other a
little7 I'm staying with my uncle,
back there, on my way to Southamp-
ton, 20 visit a friend of mine,
and"
Southampton" exclaimed Zoe.
why, that's where lfve!"
Really" His face beamed. "Do
you HAPPEN to know Mr.. Brentley
and his daughter"
my fsther!" Zoe gasped, "and-
myself! You are not-don't tell me-
she began to laugh helplessly.
Il am .Com Driscoll," he said sol
emily. And you-what are you do
sng-" he pulled the canoe nearer
up here? was going-you know
that l was going, simply-to meet
ycu!"
II ran away" gurgled Zoe Father
had talked about you so much l.:
hated you! Oh, what a joke!"
ITS anything but joke if you hate
me-" objected Mr.. Driscoll gloomily.
Zoe lifted flushed, dimpled face.
We'll IL hadn't seen you them
She admitted.
IIe looked into her eyes.
ITO you think I might paddle yor
hoEe?" he asked