The Rutland daily globe. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1873-1877, 1875-02-20

the shop windows would be sufiiclent evil
dence 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 coun-
ters Valentines within his means. From
one cent up to ten dollars, from the coars-
est 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 Feb
ruary two young men sauntered down
Washington street, glancing at the win
dows as they passed. They were prepos-
sessing in appearance, and looked about
the same age--twenty five. Let me intro
duce them as Frank Andrews and Mark
t.aston, intimate friends and partners in a
flourishing business. If they required any
other tic to bind them together, 1t was
found in the circumstances that they were
hetrothed TO two sisters, Ellen and Kate
Vancouver.
mark" said Frank Andrews, as they
passed shop beautifully lighted, and, as
they could see, throngcd with customers,
ELLEN and Kate will be expecting valen-
tines. Let US 90 in and select some.
II will accompany you in, replied Mark,
''but am not sure whether | shall pur-
chase"
"Not purchase :" exclaimed Frank, sur
priscd.
Without explanation Mark followed his
his companion into the store.
''Lct us look at some of your high-priced
valentines" said Frank to the shopman.
The latter brought out with alacrity some
of their choice varieties.
THAT" said he indicating particular
ann tsic five Inl1ars II is a prpttv affair
"llave you none better" interrupted
Frank.
Certainly Our stock of choice valen-
tines is unsurpassed in the city. Here, for
example, is box of our best"
''They are indeed handsome. think
must have one. What is the price p
"1en dollars. However, if the other
gentleman will take one also, you shall
have them for nine each"
Come, Mark" said Frank, "ihere's !
good offer. You will need one as we'll Us
myself. oppose we each select one
II don't think | shall purchase said
Mark in a low voice
"Why not y exclaimed Frank opening
his eyes in advertisement.
II can spend the mon,'y more satisfac-
torily in another way"
"Come, you are getting parsimonious,
Mark. didn't suspect that of you. Kate
will be disappointed. Shan't you send her
any,
Perhaps so, but if 1 do it will he a
written one, and not selected from any
store"
swell, suppose you know your own
business best-but you're the last person,
Mark, that should have suspected of Mig
gardness in such matter
ssDerhapc - said Mark snilinu 81 sl,n1l
spend quite as much as you in honor of st.
Valentine, though in different way
You had better take the two" said the
clerk, looking at Frank. "That will be
giving you the second for eight dollars"
81 believe l will" said Frank. "You
may put them up. BY the way came
near forgetting the envelopes. Have you
any handsome ones? ?"
1--WE have some that come expressly fol-
them g
''What is the price 2"
"A dollar apiece
"That will make two dollars Two and
eighteen are twenty. Here is Il bill for that
amount
THANK you, sir" said the clerk, con-
graduating himself on the large purchase.
81 hope you will favor our store with your
patronage another year.
81 dare say | SHALL said Frank, care
lessly, THAT is. if the ladies like my pur-
chase tonight"
Then we are sure of your custom, was
the reply. "They can't help liking i.
The two young men left the store, and
soon parted company. Frank went To his
room, and directing the valentines TO the
proper addresses, next morning they were
on their way to their destination. We vii
take the liberty to precede them, and &c
quaint the reader with the manner of thti
reception-premising that Frank concluded
to send one to each of the sisters, with
line indicating from what quarter they
came. Mark, on his return home, wrote
few lines, transcrbing them on handsome
note paper, directed to Kate Vancouver.
The NancOuvers' were moderately rich
Though their mode of living was not os
tentatous, it was marked by an air of ele
giant comfort, and the young ladies had en-
joyed the advantage OF the best schools
and were accomplished, not according
to the superficial standard so common il
society, but whatever they had learned the,
had mastered.
The morning of the fourteenth of Feb
ruary arrived.
"St. Valentines day" said Ellen.
wonder if the good saint will remembe
us!"
"Perhaps some of his followers will,
returned Kate, with an arch smile.
81 hope So" said Ellen. 81 should Sc
myself down as an old maid at once, if
were entirely forgotten in his distribution
of favors."
By way of an answer to the inquiry Jus
started, the postman's knock was heard
and moment afterwards the servant en-
tered bearing three valentines, one for FL
len and two for Kate.
Those of most imposing appearance wer
first opened.
"What a beauty" exclaimed Ellen.
"And mine, though not the same, i
equally handsome" returned Kate, "Why
it is from Frank" abe exclaimed, after
moments examination.
'Your valentine from Frank" inouire
Ellen with a twinge of jealousy. II sur
posed as a matter of course that Mark ser
it. Has he wholly neglected your"
"Stay, here is another in the form of
note" said Kate, who had hastily opene
the unostentatious billet that accompanie
these two valentines.
1t proved to be a copy of verses simpl
and unaffected, just such as a sensible ri
ought to value most from her lover. Kat
was a sensible girl, but it must be confesse
that she was not a little disappointed
Marks apparent meanness, and though M
in words assented in heart to Ellen's il
dignant remark: swell, did think Mar
Easton was decently liberal before, b,
certainly this looks mean enough"
"Perhaps he had a good reason for it
suggested Kate, family.
"a good reason" repeated Ellen,
are say he has. He is too stingy to go
any expense"
may, Ellen, you must not speak so
Mark"
Compare his paltry valentine wi
Franks. lie must have paid a handson
price for these two"
"And yet" said Kate, perplexed, "Mal
has never shown any lack of generosity b
fore. You know he has carried us to co
certs and operas and you recollect the han
some gold chain he presented me-
"Then," said Ellen, unable to gansay {
thia ssha ruust hava haau saizn1 ,yitj,