The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1870-07-20

nence, for could not keep my face grave,
and the stranger was fine, tall, hand
some man, walking straight in the mid
die of the road, and inspecting us with
very evident attention. $50
"Hold your tongue, Bertier'
"Don't be agitated--keep your self
possession. Trust in me-guide, phi
losopher, friendl"
Here We were brought to stand, sud
denly, by the stranger stopping close be-
fore us, and saying Bertrand Lawrence!
know your name. I asked at the LODGE"
Then he took of his hat to me.
My Valentine looked five and thirty
years of age, with face good deal
bronzed, and very dark hair. He had q
moustache, but no whiskers nor beard;
he was what anybody might call hand
some. and he had an indescribable look
ly strength, though no had that, too
But he had certain sweetness Of express
sion on his somewhat massive face, rs if
he was gentlo with the gentleness of one
who could play with life, because he had
tanned it into submission to her. All
this struck me, rs he lifted his hat, and
said, "Miss Lawrence" Then he went
on, speaking to Bertie. els your father
at homer am Deverel-James Deverel.
Do you know my name?"
"Major Deverel is expected on visit
to my father next week."
Eyes. I wrote and said I would
come. was then engaged this week to
the Robertsons, near Torquay. But
they telegraphed to me at Lord Mar
ston's to say that they had illness in the
house, and had been put in the quaran-
tine-couldn't have me. So came here
straight. It will be Nh early morning
CALI if you can't tako me in. have left
my luggage in the station"
By this time, Major Deverel was walk
ing with us towards the house. He soon
said, "Do you always walk MS early as
this, Miss Lnwrcnce?"
I could not help stammering; but
joke in the world. We made an engage
to-day, early. Valentines day, you
know. Tho first man Aunt Grace met,
was to be her Valentine. We West
country people believe oil kinds Of su-
perstitions, and that is one. We pro-
missed to tell tho truth to Oliver, said
Jack, which was but fair, as We had re-
fused their company. Now We shall
carry you back as proof positive; the
Valentine not only seen, but captured
and brought home. You aro Grace's
Valentine, Major Deverel, and I hope
you will do your years service properly"
Major Deverel stood still. He looked
at BERTHE, and ho looked ut me. ST had
never thought of it" he said. "Valcn-
tines day! Well, so it is! Valentines
day-nevcr thought of it once, even"
His manner was very strange. L saw
that it was provocative of Bcrtic's mirth,
so I began to talk to Major Devcrel of
Devonshire customs, and the odd fancies
that we kept in remembrance in our old
fashioned place.
Major Deverel got as good welcome
as any man could have desired. He and
my brother Ind been at school together.
My brother had gone to Cambridge, then
to the bar, and had been going to the
Western circuit, when his friend, Frank
Deverel, had been through hard fighting
in India. They had seen each other but
seldom, but had corresponded without
intermission; and now it was pleasant to
see my brother of forty years of age and
his friend. few years younger, stand
ing with grasped hands, looking in each
others faces, recalling old memories,
both very happy in the old friendship so
faithfully cherished, and so suddenly
gratified by this pleasant appearance on
Valentines day.
We had breakfast; and after breakfast,
I heard Major Deverel say how strangely
fast my brother had seemed to run
through life-only forty, and twice mar
ried; with three boys, and an eldest son
shooting up into manhood.
"Why, my life," he said, "has got to
begin-my home life, mean; mt least, I
hope So" After ell, he said, 'the great
struggle of youth carried into battle
fields full of danger, fuller of thought,
and responsibility that shuts self out of
ones mind, is not tho life that man
looks forward to. The patriarchal vine
and fig tree life advances upon one in q
sort of vision, and claims ones sympa-
thy. Yes" he added, thoughtfully, "and
comes in some of mems best moments,
I think"
1 felt quite touched. I confessed that
my Valentine entertained somo most ad-
mirable sentiments.
"But should not have liked to begin
so early, though" he said, with an homes
ty Of tono and manner that made me
hate him Tn f0ct bafOra I'm n ohnop f;p,o