Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1875-02-10

destination. We will take the liberty
to precede them, and acquaint the
reader with the manner of their recep-
tion-premising that Frank concluded
to send one to each of the sisters.
with line indicating from what quar-
ter they came. Mark on his return
home, wrote a few lines, transcribipg
them on handsome note-paper direct
ed to Kate Vancouver.
The NanCouvers were moderately
rich. Though their mode of living
was not ostentatious, it was marked by
an air Of elegant comfort, and the
young ladies' had enjoyed the advan-
tage of the best schools, and were &C.
complished not according to the super
fetal standard so common in society,
but whatever they had learned they
had mastered.
The morning Of the fourteenth Of
February arrived.
est. Valentines day !" said Ellen,
II wonder if the good saint will re.
member us 2
"Perhaps some of his followers
will, returned Kate, with an arch
smile.
81 hope so, said Ellen. 81 should
set myself down as an old maid at
once, if l were entirely forgotten in
his distribution of favors."
BY way of an answer to the inquiry
just started, the postman's knock was
heard, and moment afterwards the
servant,entered bearing three valen-
tines, one for Ellen and two for Kate.
Those Of most imposing appearance
were first opened.
"What a beauty !" exclaimed Ell
len.
"And mine. though not the same, is
equally handsome" returned Kate,
"Why, it IS from Frank she exclaim-
ed, after moments examination.
"Your valentine from Frank in
quired Ellen with atwinge ofjealousy.
ii supposed as a matter Of course that
Mark sent it. Has he wholly neglected
you?'
"Stay, here is another in the form
of a note" said Kate, who had hastily
opened the umostentatious billet that
accompanied these two valentines.
1t proved to be copy of verses
simple and unaffected, just such as a
sensible girl ought to value most from
her lover. Kate was q sensible girl,
but it must be confessed that she was
not Il little disappointed at Marks
apparent meanneSs, and though not in
words assented in heart to Ellen's in.
dignant remark "Well, / did think
Mark Easton was decently liberal be-
fore, but certainly this looks mean
enough"
"Perhaps he had a good reason fol
it, suggested Kate, family.
"a good reason" repeated Ellen, II
dare say he has. He is too stingy tc
60 to any expense"
"Nay, Ellen, you must not speak SC
of Mark"
"Compare his paltry valentine with
Franks. He must have paid a hand,
some price for these two.
"And yet," said Kate, perplexed
"Mark has never shown any lack of
generosity before You know he has
carried us to concerts and operas and
you recollect the handsome gold chain
he presented me"
"Then,' said Ellen, unable to gain
say all this, she must have been seizee
with asudden fit ofprudence. 1t woule
look little better if he wouldretrenct
i'll some other way.
So Kate thought in her secret hear,
but the affection which she entertained
for her lover would not permit her tt
say so.
II is still the morning OF st. Valen
tines day. Will the reader ascent
with us the rickety stairs OF tene
ment-house in a poor street little
known to fashion.
Higher yet. So we have gained
the fourth story. Now turn to tn
right it you please. Open the door
No ceremony. We are clad in the in
visible garments and the occupant
will not observe our entrance.
These occupants are two in number
woman middle-aged, pale from recen
sickness, and reclining on the bed prop
ped up with pillows. The other is