The Virginia enterprise. [volume] (Virginia, St. Louis County, Minn.) 1893-19??, 1911-04-07

Alcie. need my wife, and I need her
now! Have you ever really considered
my loneliness, my position during this
entirely unnecessary waiting? II there
was any real reason for it it would be
different. But they do not need you.
l do. I shall speak about it to your
parents tonight"
VERY WE'LL" she said, tonelessly. but
1t will do no good"
Then they entered the house togeth-
er. For while they sat before the
fire in the beautiful library, and then
Mr. Brand came in from the family
sitting room and greeted Steven
warmly enough. He liked his future
son-in-law, despite his disappointment
about Austin.
Steve calmly asked to see him and
Mrs. Brand moment and the two
men went to join that formidable lady
where her husband had left her. Al
Gle, refusing to be present at the inter-
view, sat alone before the fire.
In what seemed ages, but was prob
ably less than an hour the young man
returned, his face set and stern, his
manner cold. He stepped over and
leaned on the mantel. looking down at
the soft beauty of the girl
Nov. Alice, l have only you to ap-
peal to-. think your father sees the
justice of my plea, but he dares not
openly attack your mothers attitude.
She wants-all sorts of things; me, to
be surer Of myself-and to make more
money; you to have more time. more
society, more clothes, even, and to be
further sure Of yourself! She did not
give one true, sincere reason. Since
she is your mother. I will not say
more, save that she did not deny it
when I openly accused her of wanting
to separate us for a time and to get
you with Tom Austin for whole sea,
SON."
"Dear-you need never feaer my
changing!" and at the pain in his face
she jumped up and went to him, cling.
Ing closely to him. But where once
he would gladly have EMBODIED her, he
now held her of.
mo-" he said, Tin my heaert I do
not doubt you, but l want you to
marry me soon-before they 60 south
this wi lter. I appeal to you! have
no home now, mother being gons to
my sisters, until you make one for
me. Alcie, your mother would not
even consent definitely to next June
or even to September-a whole year!
What are you going to do? Will you
stand with her-or with me?"
my heart Is with you,'' she said,
softly, "but-1 could not-run away
and know the hopelessness Of resist.
ing mother better than you. Dear, I'm
afraid we will have to wait"
The man drew her to him and
kissed her, then he released her. and
took his hat.
when you feel that you can marry
me-" he said. quietly. will you tell
me?"
"Yes," she said. "Oh. Steve, don't
take it like this-1 WILL"
A month later the brand household
was packed and ready for travel.
Maude, not visibly worse than her
usual delicacy of health. was impa-
tient to be gone. Mrs. Brand was open
ly triumphant that Alcie had made
no trouble. Steve had been in the
house very little, and she flattered
herself as to her f1rmness.
The day of departure arrived. Al
Gle had her trunks packed, and came
to the hasty breakfast already for
the early train they were all to take.
The girls eyes were very bright anad
her face happy. But yesterday she
had been merely tractable and life
less. Her mother rejoiced. but not
for long.
After breakfast Alcie stepped from
the back door to the nearest telephone
booth. She came back flushed and
excited, but was ready with the others
when the motor came to take them to
the station. At the station Mrs. Brand
got the surprise Of her life. She saw
Steve-whom she had expected. She
had not, however, looked for the
Right Rev. James Preston, nor two Of
Steve's best friends There was much
chat, and when the train was in sight
Alcie suddenly took Steve's arm and
they walked up to that lady.
Mother" said Alcie, Pm not going
with you. I can't leave Steve. I
called him up from the drug store and
told him I would marry him at the
first church he would take me to the
minute you were gone. He has the H.
cense. Goodby."
The astonished woman was begin.
ming to hunt for words, when her hus-
band took her by the arm.
Come" he said. "You must get
aboard Maude's alone there. Alcle
is perfectly right. I sanction this!
You 20 on and will follow you on the
next train after l see this daughter
Of ours safely married. They are start.
ing on trip this afternoon. Come.
Mary!"
For once Mrs. Brand dared not Ques-
ton her husbands authority.