Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1875-02-10
MARK EAsTON's VALENTINE.

would be sufficient evidence that in
Boston, at least, there is no more pop
ular saint in the calender than good st
Valentine, Nor is his popularity con-
lined to any one class. Noone sopoor
that he may not lind spread on the
counters valentines within his means.
From one cent up to ten dollars, from
the coarsest daub to the most fancitul
device, there they lie. He must in
deed be fastidious who caunot be suit.
ed
On the evening of this thirthecnth
Of February two young men sauntel-
ed down Washington street, glancing
at the windows as they passed. They
were prepossessing in appearance, and
looked about the same age-twenty
five. Let me introduce them as Frank
Andrews and Mark Easton, intimate
friends and partners in II hourishing
business. If they required any other
lie to bind them together, it was found
in the circumstances that they were
betrothcd to two sisters, Ellen and
Kate Vancouver.
MARK, said Frank Andrews, as
they passed a shop brilliantly lighted,
and as they could see thronged with
customers, "Ellen and Kate will be
expecting valentines. Let II, 90 in
and select some.
II will accompany YOU in,'' replied
Mark, ''but ain not sure whether l
shall purchase"
"Not purchase y exclaimed Frank,
surprised.
Without explanation Mark followed
his companion into the store.
"Iet us lock at some of your high
priced valentines" said Frank to the
shopman.
! The latter brought out with alarcity
some Of their choice varieties.
THAT" said he, indicating partlc-
uIar one, "is five dollars. Iti apretty
affair"
"IIave you none better?" interrupt
ed Frank.
"Certainly. Our stock Of choice
valentines is unsurpassed in the city.
Hero, for example, is box of our
best
"They are indeed handsome. I
think | must have one. What is the
price ?"
"Tcn dollars. However if the other
gentleman will take one also, you shall
have them for nine each.
"Comc, Mark said Frank, "there's
a good offer. You will need one as
well as myself. Suppose we each Sc
lect one
Il don't think / shall purchase" t"
said Mark, in Il low voice.
"Why not?' exclaimed Frank, open.
ing his eyes in astonishmcnt.
Il can spend the money more salts.
factorily In another way"
"Come, you are getting parsimoni
Gus, Mark. | didn't suspect that o1
you. Kate will be disappointed
Shan't you send her any?'
"Perhaps so, but if do it will be a
written one, and not selected from any
store"
''Well | suppose You know you,
own business best-but you're the las,
person Mark, that l should have sus
pected of niggardness in such n mat.
ter"
"Perhaps," said Mark, smiling, 81
shall spend quite as much as you il
honor of St. Valentine, though in a diff
} terent way
"You had better take the two,' said
the clerk, looking at Frank. "That
: will be giving you the second for eigh
dollars.
II believe | will" said Frank
"You may put them up. By the way
| came near forgetting the envelopes
Have you any handsome ones =
"Wc have some that come express
ly for them"
"Wbat is the price p
"A dollar piece"
THAT will make two dollars. Two
and eighteen are twenty. Here is
bill Cor that amount
"Thank. you, sir" said the clerk
congratulating himself on the larg
purchase. 81 hope you will favor on
store with your patronage anothel
5 year"
81 dare say SHALL" said Frank
carelessly, "that is, if the ladies lik
: my purchase of tonight"