Delaware gazette. [volume] (Delaware, Ohio) 1855-1886, 1860-03-02
VOL. XIII.
From Gleason's weeky.I
MARK EASTON'S VALENTINE,

From Gleason's weekly-J
MARK EASFON'S VALENTINE.
BY HoRATIo ALGER, JR.
1t was the thirteenth day of February To
one who took leisurly walk down Washing
ton street, glance at the plaeards on the shop
windows would be sufficient evidence that in
Boston, at least, there is no more popular
saint in the calendar than good St. Valentine.
Nor is his popularity confined to any one
| class. No one SO poor that he may not find
spread on the shop counters valentines within
his means. From one cent up to ten dollars
from the coarsest daub to the most fanciful
device, there they lie. He must indeed be
fastidious who cannot be suited
On the evening of this thirteenth of Fehru-
| airy two young men sauntered down Washing
ton street, glancing at the windows as they
passed. They were prepossessing in appear
| ance, and looked about the same age--twenty-
five. Let me introduce them as Frank An
drews and Mark Easton, intimate friends and
in fourishing business If they required
any other tie to bind them together, it was
found in the circumstance that they were be-
trothed to two sisters Ellen and Kate Van
couver.
Mark" said Frank Andrews, as they pas
sed shop brilliantly lighted, and as they
could see thronged with customers, ELLEN and
Kate will be expecting valentines. Let US
go in and select some"
Il will accompany you in," replied Mark
"but l am not sure whether shall purchase. =
"Not purchase!" exclaimed Frank, sur
prised.
Without explanation Mark followed his
companion in the store.
LET US look at some of your high-priced
valentines, said Frank to the shopman.
The latter brought out with alacrity some
of their choicest varieties.
THAT said he, indicating particular one,
sis five dollars. 1t is a pretty affair"
Have you none better ?" interrupted
Frank.
"Certanly. Our stock of choice valentines
is unsurpassed in the city. Here for example
is box of our best"
"They are indeed handsome. l think must
have one. What is the price 81
Ten dollars. However, if the other gen
tleman will take one also you shall have them
for nine each"
"Come, Mark" said Frank, "there's good
| Offer You will need one well as myself
| Suppose we each select oue.'
Il don't think l shall purchase said Mark
| in a low voice.
"Why not?' exclaimed Frank, opening his
| eyes with astonshment.
| u can spend the money more satisfactorily
! in another way"
Come, you are getting parsmonious, Mark
| didn't suspect that of you. Kate will be
disappointed Shan't tou send her any ?"
perhaps so, but if dc, it will be ii writ
! ten one, and not selected from any store
well, l suppose you know your own bust
ness but you're the last person, Mark
that l should have suspected Of niggardness in
such matter.
Perhaps" said Mark, smiling, Il shall
spend quite as much as vou in honor Of ST
Valentine, though in different way
You had better take the two said the
clerk, looking at Frank. THAT will be Civ
ing you the second FIR eight dJllars."
Il believe l will, said Frank. "You may
put them up. BY the way came near for
getting the envelopes. Have you any hand
some ones p
"We have some that come expressly fol
them"
"What is the price?'
"A dollar piece
That will make two dollars. Two ant
eighteen are twenty. Here is bill to tina
amount
''Thanb you, SIR" said the clerk, congratu
lating himself on the large purchase. Il hop
/ YOU will favor our store with your patronage
anothersyear." .
Il dare say SHALL" said Frank, carelessly
''that is, if the ladies like my purchase of to
night"
"Then we are sure of your CUSTOM, was tn
reply. They can't help liking it.
The two young men left the store, and sool
parted company. Frank went to his room
and directing the valentines to the proper ad
dress, next morning they were on their way +
, their destination. We will take the liberty t
precede them, ard acquaint them with tn
manner of their reception promising tina
Frank concluded to send one to each Of tl
sisters W. til line indicating from what quartz
they came. Mark, on his return home, wrot
few lines, and transcribing them on hant
some note paper, directed to Miss Kate VaI
couyer.
The Vancouvers were moderately rich
5 Though their mode of living was not ostel
? tatious, it was marked by air of elegar
comfort, and the young ladies had enjoyed tn
t advantage of the best schools, and were a
Y complished, not according to the superfic
. standard so common in society but whatev'
i they had learned they had mastered it.
e The morning of the fourteenth of Februar
4 arrived.
..St Nalnnt;ne,s da,- Y" Snid Ellen MI {