Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1864-06-02
Choite Mistellang.
What Came ola Valentine.

On the evening of the 18th of Feb
ruary, 1850, two young men sat in com
fortably furnished room in large New
York boarding house. A bright fire glow
ed in the CRATE, well chosen engrayings
adorned the walls, and a bright light was
diffused about the room. ... t..,..t
Let me introduce the occupants of the
apartment as Tom Stacy and John w ilbur,
young men of twenty five or thereab0uts,
who were knewn in business circles as Stacy
g. Wilbur, retail and dry goods dealers: No
- Broadway. They had not been doing
business long, but were already doing un-
usually well. They had taken apartments
the reader. ..--. ........
Has it occurred to you, Wilbur" asked
his partner, removing his cigar, and knock
ing away the ashes, Tomorrow is St. Val
entine's day?" ....
Yes, / thought oft this afternoon, as
was walking up from the store"
80 did |, and to some purpose too, as
will show you"
Stacy went to drawer and drew out n
gorgeous valentine an elaborate combina
ten of hearts, doves, &c.
What do you think | gave for that?' he
asked ...L. r.....
Il don't know, I'm sure. 1t appears to
be very elegant ......
at cost me ten dollars"
"Whew!" whistled Wilbur at strikes
me you are either very extravagant or very
devoted. May know what fair damsel is
to be msde glad by the receipt of this ele-
giant missive?" .....
That's my secret" said Tom laughing,
II don't mind telling you, however. 1t Is
to go to Edith Castleton." . .
Il presume you feel particularly interest
ed in the young lady?"
mot at all. But told her / would send
her valentine. Shan't you conform to the
custom OF the day?" ... ....
II had not thought of it," said John,
thoughtiuly, "but believe | will y
''And what fair lady will you select as the
recipient" ra .
you remember the poor seamstress who
occupies an attic in the house?" $40. .
"Yes, | have met her on the stairs two
or three times" ~
''She looks az if times we're hard with
her. | think IN send her a valentine"
And what good do you think it will do
her?" asked Stacy, in surprise.
wait tillyou see the kind of a valentine
will send."I a.. - =. jnt''t'l 2H
Wilbur went to bis desk. and taking out a
sheet of note paper, drew from his port
monais a ten dolar bill, wrapped it in the
paner, on which he had previously written,
From st. Valentine, and placed the whole
in an envelope. ac.il.rI 81 > 10 .rru
There" said he, 'my valentine has cost
as much as yours, and venture to say it
will be rs welcome.
"You are right wish now [ had not
bought this costly trias. However, as it is
purchased, will send it," ... .5...
The next day dawned clear and frosty. :
1t was lively enough for those who sat by
comfortable fires and dined at luxurious
tables. but for the poor who shared none OF
these advantages, it was indeed bitter day.
In an attic room, meaDly furnished, sat
o young lady, pale and thin. She was cow
erng over q scanty wood fire, the best she
could afford, which heated the room very
Efficiently. She was sewing steadily.
shivering from time to time as the cold blast
shook the windows and found its way
through the cgevices. r
: Poor child! Life had very black aspect
for her on that wihtry day. She was alone
in the world. There was absolutely no one
on whom she could call for assistance,
though she needed it serely enough. The
thought came to her more than once in her
discomfort, g"Isit worth living any longer?' -
70 Plunged in gloomy thoughts, she contin
ued to work. .noAl at once . step was heard
ascending the staircase which led to her
room. Then there was a knock at The doer.
She arose 10 some surprise and opened it.
thinking ii must be the landlady or one OF
the servants. - noqa b5s1Ea sfu gn.wo.,Sl
She was right it was aIseryaptusy u 81
HERDS letter for you that the post-boy
just brought, Miss Morris, ~ oI.o ~ t,.."os
'y.A letter for ,ne!'h repeated Helen Nor.
rs, n surprise, sakdiPp taking i from tHe servants ants
"Wh0 can have written tomeY'.'a,o21ss ao, s5 1'd
sfsntass lsi Is;. !, ''5a T.,su chs
s,, 'aSsn'nsM S.S Nor. Ss tusa ~ sSt swC
myself this morning. Ones karaktsr, (car'