The Press., 1884-02-14
MARY HAYES VALENTINE.

 MARY HAYES VALENTINE.
 Mrs. Hayes was tired, over-worked the cause, husband given to drinking. MT. Hayes had once been we'll ott, owning two houses, considerable land, and several thousands beside. But you know s'little leak will sink ship" and the leak made by whisky bottle had nearly swallowed up every' hing belong ng to the Hayes family. Fortunately the pleasant little cottage in which they lived, belonged to Mrs. Hayes, gift from her father. It was simply but comfortably furnished and the family managed to live very plainly. Mrs. Hayes sewed for oth- ers whenever she could find time aside from her own housework. Mary assisted her very much, being brave, helpful girl of fourteen. Beside her, there were three younger children. Mrs. Hayes was en- to educate Mary as teacher, and so, notwithstanding their straitened she wanted her to enjoy the best advantages the village afforded. Mary attended the select school of the lit tie village. Quick at her books, she al ways stood we'll in her classes, although Tn regard to dress she looked rather shabby beside the other well dressed scholars. As the weather grew cold Mary actually shiv- cred on her way to and from school her old coat was so thin that 1t was very little protection. But blight, comforting thought entered her mind. She would earn some warm clothes for herself be- cause mother really could not afford to buy her any now, there were so many oth- CT things needed Mary was rapid kuit- k,,, nl off 1,a,s 1. solve she arose earlier than usual every morning and knit until time to assist he1 mother with the breakfast Good, home. knit mittens were in demand at the vii lage store, and there Mary sold her init tens as soon as finished. December pass ed away and little fund was slowly accu mulating. January also passed and Mary's heart reioiced, but 1t was not until the seventh of February that Mary had earn ed enough to purchase the material for 2 pretty flannel dress and cloth cloak te match. She felt very happy when she carried the packages to dress maker liv ing near her home, for did not the paper wrappers contain the material for her new warm clothes She did not sleep mucl that night for very gladness. She would feel like another girl in the becoming navy blue flannel and the double breasted, warn cloak.
 But morning came and Mary found traces of tears on her mothers pale face sh, had been anxious and wakeful all night o1 account of little Louise who was very croupy.
 ''The whole truth is,' Mrs. Hayes said wearily, "that the children are not prop erly clad, provisions are so high that WI cannot get all the clothing we need to keel us warm. We ought to have whol' piece of flannel this very minute. If fath CT only would" but here the sorrowfu woman stopped. She would not tall about father to the children, but would bt as patient as she could, meanwhile hop ing and praying for better things.
 As soon as the breakfast work was ou of the way, Mary slipped out of the house quietly. Where she went and what sh' did we will let Mrs. Ross tell you on' week later.
 It is the fourteenth of February. II the pretty library at the Ross mansion group of girls are talking over their valen tines. In the hall adjoining, Mrs. Ross i laying aside her outdoor wraps, and sh distinctly hears Grace Ross say 'sI be ieve every girl in Miss Dana's departmen received one of these beautifully -fringed scented valentines, except Mary Hayes Poor girl feel sorry for her I've a no tion to inclose mine in new envelope ant direct it to her.''
 Mrs. Ross stepped within the door "Grace, dear, wish you would send Mar, Hayes a valentine but wait until I tel you a wee story. Iwent to the little dress makers this evening, and she told me tale which made my eyes red with weep ing. It seems that little Mary Haye worked early and late so as to earn som clothes to make herself comfortable an. presentable at school. The material wa purchased and taken to the dress-make who was to cut the garments and fit then ready for Mrs. Hayes to stitch. Early tn next morning Mary came in, her whit, face shade winter, and said that she hat decided not to have the garments made The dear girl carried the goods back tt the merchant who kindly exchanged then for some substantial flannel, some little woolen stockings, some little shoes, etc. etc. She told no one the reason why she made the exchange, but it does not take long head to guess the reason. Now, Ii you girls, who all have plenty of pocket money of your own, really want to send { valentine, I will tell you where you will find one. "
 Ten pairs of fearful eyes looked up while husky voices asked, "Where ?''
 ''At the Bazaar. have just been there looking at some suits. There's pretty blue flannel there, and coat to match, which would just fit Mary Hayes"
 sShe shall have it''
 An hour later the cottage bell rang, and little Harry Hayes, who answered the door, came back into the sitting-room with an immense package. s'My, what whop- per P he said, throwing it on the table. Cts for you, Mary do open it quick" he said, excitedly.
 Mary, with flushed face, threw down her school books and united the package, with eager, trembling hands. A beauti- full dark blue flannel dress, with bright buttons and kilt skirt, laid before her as- tonished eyes. Next came Q pretty, warm cloak with plush collar and cuffs. Still more, a dainty hood, through which beau tlful blue ribbons were run, was taken out. What could it mean? Mary laughed till she cried; but it was Harry who found the note in one of the coat pockets, which read
 "You darling, brave, unselfsh girl. We nave heard all about you, and now we send you our valentine. Yours lovingly, ever,
 CLASSMATES"