The Elk County advocate. [volume] (Ridgway, Pa.) 1868-1883, 1881-02-03

1t was not hard to search the meageI
contents of Gertrude's trunk; but every
thing was tumbled out in summary
way, pockets examined, even Innings
ripped, and she heard some one say,
"Wot's the use, she went out yester-
day." with feeling Of desperate ex-
ASPIRATION.
She laid back her clothes, all of them,
sadly, for there was nothing now to dc
but to go. She strapped her trunk her.
self, and did not wait for ve.taking.
Only she had kindly feeling for the
imps, after all, and looked about for
them as she went downstairs.
She left also note for Mrs. Chum-
leigh, merely giving her address. Then
with such feeling Of desolation as had
never yet wrung her young heart, she
started out.
The children were not about; but
when she reached the corner Rod darted
out at her. His face was smeared and
tear-stained.
"They say you're goin' away he
cried out, 'and wasn't 10 see YOU again /;
but I've cheated EN- bully. | want to
give you this valentine. To.day's the
fourteenth, you see, and like you bet
ter than any other girl know. I fixed
it yesterday-painted it all myself
there's two hearts on meat skewer and
an altar and bride all right, you'll
see."
"Thank you, Rod" cried Gertrude.
with sob in her throat as she stopped
to give the boy q kiss. 81 do not ex-
pect any other valentine"
And she smiled through the tears
that dimmed h r eyes as she looked at
the huge envelope with its official look
ing seals.to which Rod had confided his
treasure.
A moment after quick step came be-
hind her. Then some one took the lit
tie travelling bag out of her hand, and,
looking up, she saw friendly hand
some face looking down at her reproach-
fully.
"Going withou, one word for meP'
cried Eric.
And from that moment halt her bur.
den seemed lifted. She found herself
actually smiling as size reached her
aunt's door.
What is that billet-doux you are
carrying so carefullyP" exclaimed Eric,
as he caught sight of the huge envelope
my valentine" answered Gertrude.
Then moment after she added: Rods
work :"
They stood in the little parlor, then,
by the window, as the young girl turned
over the epistle, and finally opened it
with half-hysterical laugh. Such a
misunderstanding couple as Rod had
executed; but he had gilded ring on
the brides finger which obliterated her
hand, and had also cable of the same
FURNISHED metal on her neck.
"By Jove! what's thisP" exclaimed
Eric, seizing the paper; /" do you see
what the rascal has tieo on with blue
ribbon for fancy cover my mothers
coupons, by all that's jollyw
Gertrude stared in speechle3s sur
prise.
The child had nicked p whole sheet
of coupons and used them as cover for
his chef d'euvre.
The neat little squares and numbers
had evidently taRen his fancy. Thee
were only part, to be sure, but he
could probably give an account of the
rest. OF course he had no idea that the
beautiful paper he had found in his
mothers desk was so valuable
Gertrude gazed at it moment, and
then joined in the laugh.
Sne looked up to see Aunt Rachel in
the doorway regarding them with mild
wonder.
"My first valentine!n she exclaimed,
in some embarrassment.
But Eric told the story Tor her, and
added his own conclusion. He was his
own master, free to choose where he
would; ard in the happiness that fol-
lowed Gertrude forgot the misery of the
day when she had received her queer
valentine.