The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1880-02-19

"Yes,' broke in Charley; "directed in
very stiff, upright hand. Now who
would think that such very modest, re-
firing person would write such very de-
cided hand2 You know what mean,
Miss Vane2:'
So the remarks flew round, and knew
that remonstrance was in vain, and that
Mr.. Bargill and myself were to be two
of the victims on Valentines day. Not
only that, but greatly feared that they
intended sending either valentine to
me in his name, or, far worse, one from
me to him.
For some reason this latter idea was
torture to me. Of course what received
myself was matter of little consequence
I should know whom to thank for it; but
il only could know how they meant to
make use OF my unfortunate name in
playing their jokes upon him.
Some time wore on, and I comforted
myself by thinking, that Mr.. Bargill,
come what might, would never believe
that had sent him valentine, more es-
pecially such one as feared they would
send him.
"1t will be as Charley said," l thought
"He will most likely put it in the fire,
and no one will lie whit the WISER"
And caught myself wondering
whether 1t would make him shy of our
company, and whether he would cease
the walks from church, &c. And must
allow that the idea vexed me.
"How very tiresoms they are!'' l said
to myself. "And what bad taste it is to
play these jokes on people," forgetting
tor the moment how often l had myself
been party to jokes of the kind.
At last Valentines morning came.
There was much excitement round the
breakfast table when the pest-bag, full
to bursting, was handed In.
waited patiently for my share of its
contents. They were three. First let
ter from home in my mothers hand
writing; secondly, large document d.
rected in the stiff, upright hand I had
been led to expect; thirdly, letter, d.
rected in handwriting perfectly un-
known to me. I opened the second men.
toned first.
"Now Ethel, let US hcar!'' assailed ME
on every side.
That's the writing! l knew 1t would
come!'' shouted Charley.
| "Thank you, am much obliged to
! you all!' I replied sit is admirably
written but this one is much better done
las I spoke held up the third men
toned, written in the unknown hand
''That large is too elaborate. Mr.. Bar
gill, am sure, would never send such a
tlcwery composition as that. "Ncw, this
is sober, aud to the point"
I had just read it, and was surprised
to tina only short, simple. earnest offer
Of marriage-not much like a valentine
except that the writer slightly referred
tothe character of the day as kind of a
pology for addressing ME. It was signed
only ~. B."
II see,' said I. You thought by send
ing me two that should certainly be
caught by one of them.
This last one is certainly the best.
Some Of your work, suspect, Connie. 1t
is not in Hates style.
Constance protested her innocence
but in vain. Indeed, a general chorus
| Of disclaimer was raised round the table {;
bur simply ignored 1t, put the two val
entlnes in my pocket, and began to read
my mothers letter. This was of another
kind. My father was seriously Ill, My
mother wanted me home directly; and
the next day saw me on my homeward
journey, depressed at the thought of nv
fathers illness, and full Of regrets a.,
leaving my friends.
Then began season of calamity and
trial. My father died after tortnight's
illness, leaving myself, brother, and
sister almost wholly unprovided tor.
Thus began my governess life, which I
am thankful tc say, has so tar been a
success, that am now able to live in
comfort, and to put by mite for a rainy
day. have not spent much in travel
ing, though my kind friends, the Coven-
trys SC MT me many invitations. Perhaps
I am little proud, for I thiAk could
not mix in their society with Just the
same pleasure as in former days. How.
ever they are unchanged to me, and al
ways will be, feel sure.
The clock has just struck nine. What
time have sat here Illuminating on
past times! and the postman is not yet
come. Valentines day-that is the reason
OF the delay, no doubt!
Here he comes round the corner, but
what time he stops at each door! The
five little dwellings to be visited before
he gets here, will take, I should think,
another quarter of an hour, at this late
at going. Well, you will not be detained
long here, my man. Sarah shall bring
the breakfast
Another ten minutes, he IS here! Sarah
put two letters in my hand. and strange
coincidence? one of them is in the hand
writing of my old friend, Constance Co.
ventry.
Constance Braintree, she is now, she
married Charlie two years alter my last
visit; and bright, merry Kate is dead
My second letter, being evidently bust
ness one, claims my first attention. It is
from the mother Of my eldest pupil. She
is going abroad and wishes my charge to
accompany her. My three other pupils
are at present in scarlet fever. My hands
will be empty! what shall do2 Look
contemporary employment Ishould like
to take holiday, but know Of nowhere
to 90 just now.
| Now tor Constance:
| W. nave JUST COIllc HOulC 1rOuQ aDTO1u,
she writes, land are settling in our new
home, though it is a wretched time of
year. do want you so much to come
and see me: Perhaps my reasons are
partly selfish, for he will not see compa-
ny yet, and l am dreadfully dull and
lonely, but know that will be no draw
back to you.''
Then she goes on to say good deal
that is kind; and asks in a postscript:
~ said that We were alone, but l for.
got to mention than al old friend or rath-
er an acquaintance, is with US whom
dare say you will remember in by-gone
days-D[r. Bargilll we came upon him at
Basic, when Charley was dangerously ill,
and his kindness shall never forget.
am sorry that I ever laughed or teased
him, dear Ethel; he saved my husbands
life Do come"
That is all. And what strange sup
plement to my meditations of the past
A. - 4