The Sentinel. [volume] (Trenton, N.J.) 1880-1882, 1881-01-29

she notice that little Mickey O'Brien
was recklessly attempting to cross the
road just in front of her horses feet. The
pedestrian saw the child, however, just
as he received blow that sent him
whirling to the side of the road, and
FASTENED to his relief, while Sallie, hur-
rying on all unconscious of the mischief
she had done, was soon out OF sight.
The next day was St. Valentines
day, and Sallie waited, her heart going
thumpity-bump all the time, for the
afternoon mail. She expected valen-
tine from each of her head admirers, so
to speak, and half hope formed itself
in her ,coquettish sheart that somehow
matters would be settled between her.
self and Jack Crowel by the jolly old
saint of the fourteenth of February.
The mail came in due time, the valen-
tines also little and big, simple and
elegant, cheap and costly; among them
a magnificent one from Crosset, con-
tanning lovely pearl ring. Sallie
opened them all, then turned away dis
appointed, for there was none from Jack
Crowel.
She took Crosset's ring. put it on her
pretty finger, and went downstairs to
entert ain him, for she knew he would
come in the evening. And she knew
pretty well what he would say, too, for
the pearl ring was an unmistakable
sign.
By-and-bye the door-bell rang, and
Anthony Crosset was admitted.
He was all smiles and graciousness,
and before he had been in the parlor
many minutes he had taken the fair left
hand in his own and kissed the finger
that wore his beautiful gift. Sallie felt
that it was all over with her.
She saw a declaration in his eyes, and
she was sure she had not strength of
mind to resist all the influences that
were sweeping her into Crossets arms.
There was little warning pain at
her heart asserting itself in spite of the
satisfaction she felt in being the chosen
love OF such distinguished "catch" as
Anthony Crosset. But she smothered
it recklessly, saying to herself that if
Jack loved her he would not neglect
her so; and as he did not love her, she
would be the last one to save herself
for him.
So the wooing progressed, and the
momentous question was trembling on
the lovers lips; indeed, he had opened
his mouth to speak the fateful word,
when there came a loud knock at the
door. and Biddy O'Brien tumbled into
the room Immediately thereafter.
"Sure, MISS" she said, in breathless
way; "an' could ye come to the house
tor a bit; it's Mickey that's hurt, an
sure it was yer own horse that knocked
him down, an you a ridin' so fast that
yon never knew it."
Crosset, angry at the child's entrance
at such critical moment, rose. and,
taking her by the shoulder, was upon
the point of putting her out of the room
before Sallie had collected her senses
enough to fully comprehend the situa-
ton.
But the mans rude grasp of innocent
Biddy reused her, and she sprang to her
feet.
"Let the child alone!" she said. in
voice that Crosset had never heard COM
ing from those sweet lips before. This
is my house, please remember" Then
turning to Biddy: "Tell me all about
it, dear. Did you say that I rode over
little Mickeyp"
Then Biddy explained to the best of
her ability; and at the last of the story,
it appeared that Jack Crowel picked up
the injured child, went for the doctor
and came back and played nurse till
business called him away; then he told
the mother to send for Miss Carr. Sal
lies face lighted up brilliantly when
Jack was mentioned.
THAT is just like jack" she thought
1.-THE generous, good felloww
81 hope you are not going to that
howell" said Mr.. Crosset, at last, finding
that he must speak if he would not be
totally ignored.
eIndeed Iam-and Immediately" was
the answer, with naughty toss OF the
head.
cit is the first time that l have found
dirty brat preferred to mel" was the
reply.
81 hope it will be the last" answered
the lady, as she politely bowed him out
of the room.
In few minutes Sallie was on her
way to little Mick, whom she found
badly bruised about the head, and well
spotted with court plaster. He was not
in dangerous condition, however, and
was good subject for toast and jam
and an abundance of fairy stories.
Biddy and Joseph and Mary and the
| rest pressed around Sallie with wide.
open mouths and ears, and they were
all in the midst of most impressive
narrative, when in came Mr.. Jack
| Croxuo1