North Branch democrat. [volume] (Tunkhannock, Pa.) 1854-1867, 1864-05-04
Se(ett Storp,
What Came of a Valentine.

ASON1 J
furnished room, in large New York board
ing house. A bright fire glowed in the CRATE
well chosen c2eravings adorned the walls,
and bright light was diffused about the
room from an Arg and burner.
Let me introduce the occupants of the
apartment as Tom Stacy and John Wilbur,
young men of twenty five or thereabouts,
who were known in business circles as Stan
cy & Wilbur, retail dry goods dealers, No
Broadway. They had taken apartments to
gether, one of which is now presented to the
reader.
Has it occurred to you, Wilbur" asked
his partner, removing his cigar and knocking
away the ashes, tomorrow is ST. Valen-
tines day ?'
"Yes, thought of it this afternoon, as
was walking up from the store"
$50 did |, and to some purpose too, as
will show you"
Tom Stacy went to drawer and drew out
gorgeous valentine, and elaborate combi-
nation Of hearts, doves, etc.
"What do you think gave for that ?' he
asked.
81 don't know, I'm sure. 1t appears to
be very elegant"
1T cost me ten dollars"
"Whew y, whistIed Wilbur alt stikes
me you are either very extrayagant or very
devoted. May | ask what fair damseI is 10
be'made glad by the receipt of this elegant
mIssive 2"
That's my secret" said Tom laughing.
81 don't mind telling you, however. It's to
go to Filth Castleton.'
81 presume you feel particularly interest
ed in the young lady 2''
Not at all. But told her would send
her valentine, ct Ia rita! Sban't you con
form to the custom of other days 2"
Il had not thought of it," said John
thoughtfully, {" but believe | will"
. And what fair lady will you select as
the recipient ?;'
" You remember the poor seamstress who
occupies the attic in the house."
" Yes have met her on the stairs two or
three times"
4" She looks a. if times were hard with
her. think will send her a valentine.''
And what good do you think it will do
her p asked Stacy IN surprise.
Wilbur went to the desk, and taking out
a sheet of notepaper, drew from his portemon-
naie ten dollar bill wrapped it in paper
on which he had previously written, From
ST. Valentine" and placed the whole i'll an
envelope.
There" said he, ''my valentine has cost
as much as yours, and venture to say will
be as welcome"
You are right. I wish had not bought
this costly trfe. However as it Is purchas-
ed will send it,"
The next day dawned clear and frosty
1t was lively enough for those who sat by
comfortable fires and dined at luxurious ta-
bles, but for the poor who shared none Of
| these advantages it was indeed bitter day.
In an attic room, meanly furnished, sat
young girl, pale and thin, She was COVER
ing over scanty wood fire, the best she
could afford, which heated the room very
insufficiently. She was sewing steadily,
shlvering from time to time as the cold blast
shook the windows and found its way thro'
the crevices'
Poor child Life hal weary aspect for
her on that winter day. She was alone in the
wor Id. There was absolutely none on VIII IN
she could cal for assistance, though she
nee led it sorely enough. The thought came
to her more than once in her discomfort, 4" is
it worth while living any longer r. But
she recailed from the sin Of suicide. She
might starve to death but she would not
take the life that God had given her.
Plunged in gloomy thoughts she contn.
ued to work. All at once a step was heard
ascending the strcase which led to her
door. She arose in some surprise and open
ed it, thinking it must be the landlady or
one of the servants.
She was right. 1t was servant.
Here's letter for you that the post boy
,'st brought, Miss Norris"
GA letter for me p repeated Helen Nor
ris. in surpr.; .;se, taking it from the servants
hand. /" Who can have written to me ?''
"Maybe it's valentine. Miss" said the
girl laughing. "You know this is 'aien>
tines day. More by token, I've got TWO
this morning. Ones karakter (cSricature =
so msi ress calls it, Just look at it,"
Bridget displayed a highly embelished
pictorial representation of a female hard at
work at the wash tub, the cast of beauty de-
cided!y Hberian.
Helen laughed absently, but did not open
her letrer while Bridget remained-a little
to the disappointment of that curious dam
sell