The Worthington advance., 1882-03-02
A HATCH-NAKER.
Tho Story of = Valentine.

AA1Cn-1AAEHs
Tho Story of . Valentine.
I'm born match maker, Aunt Ruth" Z"
The young lady who made this assertion
certainly looked unlike the plotting, schem
ing person which imagination natural,
connects with the title. She was . small
brunette, with childish figure and darl
hair coiled low at her neck, and wavet
almost down to her brown eyes, while he
lips and cheeks were Of q vivid crimson
The lady whom she addressed resembleG
her in form and complexion.
Her eyes were the color OF Lottie's. but
instead OF the latters vivacity and soarkle
were soft and dreamy. Her hair was ar.
ranged more plainly, and her lips and
cheeks were Of ths 1aintest pink. Alto.
gether she seemed ~ somewhat olde,
Lottie, toned down kl6o . very sweet.
faced little woman.
II know was m0n1 for Q match maker.
asseverated Lottie.
The lady smiled.
What makes you think 20, dear?"
you needn't laugh at me, auntie. " re.
turned Lottie, in an injured tone. For I
can prove it to you. Didn't make up m,
mind that Warren Cooper and Minnie
Sharpe we've just suited for each other. anl
then bring about the acquaintance tha,
ended in their marrying? And last sum.
mer when Fred Martin and Lou Dunn
quarreled, and each was too proud and sill,
to make the first advance, didn't brina
them together again, and now they are
married. and as happy as two mortals car
be. And I tell you what it is, Auntie,
with sagacious nod Of tho dark head. III
had reached my present age of wisdom
and scheeming . few years sooner, even
You would not have escaped my tolls
but then," she added, her playful tone
changing to one of sudden tenderness, I'VE
con]d never have spared you out of the big
corner that you occupy in our hearts and
home. No one could fill it quite as you dc
DEAR"
Aunt Ruth leaned forward and kissed
the bright face, with very loving light in
her soft eyes. Thank you, my dear.
certainly have no wish ever to leave those
who are 10 kind to me-"
Lottie was girl OF quick impulse and
rapidly changing moods, and she now re-
sumed her old tones:
Because. II you do tire ofsingle blessed
ness, lts by no means too Late yet. You
can't be 90 very old, auntie?"
II will be thirty-fve in June-a very
Aethuselah in your eyes, I suppose,
laughed Aunt Ruth.
And it did seem old in the light Of Lot
ties eighteen years.
No, not in icy eyes" she returned, with
an admiring look at her companion, FOR
I'm sure you don't seem bit over TWENTY
hve. And I repeat, it you would like to
change your position for better or for
worse, I will see what can be done for you -
Lottie continued, in q business like way,
her eyes dancing with mischief. Il have q
number Of eligible widowers and bachelors
in my minds eye, but the trouble is, none
OF them are quite good enough for you. By
the by, auntie. how did it happen that you
never have marrled?"
At the sudden question, the amused
smile faded from Ruth Ellis face, and q
sad, far-o6 look came into her sweet ewes,
Because never have nor could love but
one man, Lottie," she answered, in low
tone.
.Andhe is dead?" asked Lottie, softly.
Poor auntie!"
THAT do not know, nor, if alive, where
be is."
Lotde opened her eyes wide in SURPRISE
Not dead! OF course he loved Won.
Aunt Ruth; no one could help that. Then
you must have quarreled. Forgive me,
dear, as she noticed the panied look which
her words had called forth. II did not
mean to hurt you. but j.! am so interested. I"
Never mind, my DEAR" returned the
ought to be able to control myself after
nearly fifteen years, though l have not
mentioned even his name to any one in all
that time, but you are 80 sympathetic that
feel like telling You about it, if you would
care to hear"
II would, auntie, very much," returned
Lottie, gently.
''There was no quarrel, nothing Of the
kind, said Miss Ellis. He came here to
study with his uncle for the ministry. awe
we're thrown much into each others society,
and from the first he always showed de-
cided preference toward me. He was IN
earnest, true man, incapable OF trifling OF
deceit, and when saw and understood his
love for me, though no word had been
spoken, l believed and trusted in him fully,
even as I do now, and my whole heart and
being went out in response, though hid
the feeling zealously. AS have said, he
had never declared his affection for me, but
we were young, and understood him 60
perfectly that I was content to wait. II
was the thirteenth Of February. He had
taken me to church social that evening,
and as We drove up TO the house On our re-
turn he remarked:
"To-morrow will be St. Valentines day,
Ruth
Yes, I was Just thinking Of it, ~.
I'm glad you haven't forgotten IT," he
returned, as he held me moment in his
arms while lifting me from the sleigh. For
I hope that what it will bring you will make
You very happy, Rush.'
"Ibe next day was as joyous a. Q bird,
fitting about the house, and singing merri-
ly. knew that Philip had not spoken
those last words lightly, and felt that he
tad meant me to infer much from them. !
received several valentines, but still was
not satisfied. All day long I watched and
eaited for the one which did not come, and
I became restless and anxious. The morn.
ing passed away, then the afternoon, and
the evening to my great Joy. brought Philip.
Then I reproached myself for my impa-
tience during the day. OF course he had
intended to come himself and tell me; that
was better than thousand valentines.
When Philip came In noticed that be
looked at me eagerly, then something like q
shade of disappointment passed over his
face, and his manner changed instantly.
He was more cool and distant than had
ever known him, and after Q brief call, went
away, leaving me in very puzzled and
doubtful state Of mind, as I was certain
that had not offended him in any way,
nor given him cause to treat me as he had.
The next day heard to my great surprise
that he had gone west, not to return. I
have never seen nor heard from him since.
That is all, DEAR"
Miss Ellis ended 20 quietly that Lottie
looked up at her in surprise. But the pa.
tient droop Of her mouth, and the sad, far
away look in her brown eyes, expressed
better than any words what the simple story
meant to her; how 1t had taken all the glad.
ness and brightness out OF what should
have been the happiest years Of her life.
Poor auntiei" said Lottie, again. And
you still trust and believe in him7"
Yes, in spite Of all, have never lost
faith in him. was az sure of his love aa
I am Of my own, and whoever was to blame
know it was not he."
yet can't understand It any more thar
you do" Lottie returned, shaking her head
after few moments reflection. "But il
may be all made clear some day, dea,