Signal-Copiahan. (Hazlehurst, Copiah County, Miss.) 1885-1888, 1886-03-04
GEORGES VALENTINE.
Tho Trouble q Doll Caused, and
What Camo OF It.

Tho Trouble q Doll Caused, and
What Camo OF It.
On 81. Valentines Day there was no
five o'clock tea in Mrs. Croft's draw.
ing-room. IL was swept and garnished.
Many waNcn candles cleaned in the
candclabra, but they werc unlightcd.
only the bright freight lii up the room
and threw its ftful glare over the
frc>h-cut flowers and bric-a-brac that
adorned it.
Evidently, something unusual had
occurred or was about to do so. Such
was in truth the case.
Oh this evening Mrs. Croft was civ.
Ing ball to cvcrybody-Syory body
who was anybody in the town was bid
den.
a clink Of tca-things sounded in the
hall and proceeded upstairs to Miss
Croft's boudoir. where she and her
cousin. Mary Croft. who had
arrived an hour previously, were sit
ting in all the luxury OF drcSsing-gowns
and unbound hair.
"And he sent YOU this, Gcorgic?"
said Mary. holding up = wonderful
work of art composed of lace and
swan s-down with humming bird
nesting in the center.
Yes" answered Georgia, laughing,
"lt's a beauty. isn't it?"
And YOU really sent him that one,
as YOU said you would?'
Eyes, posted it this afternoon be-
fore came to meet you"
"Wcll. you are brave young
woman" she laughed. IL dared not
have done IL; however, | suppose you
disguised your handwriting?'
"well, yes. should think l did
responded George. 81 wouldn't have
him know for the world. However,
we shall see what he looks like tonight
i say. Mary. it's quarter to sevcn-
we haven't much time to dress"
In the town of Wellington, where
the conversation took place, and in the
principal inn known As the Royal. on
the night in question sat ST. Michael
Delaney. close to the fire of the cheer
less sitting-room.
Mr.. Delaney was an Irish gentleman
Of good family, who was blessed with
n handsome fortune, and, moreover. u
handsome presence. Both being taken
into consideration. il was not strange
that he was soon admitted into the
limited society of Wellington in which
the Crofts moved.
Tonight he had returned wet and
weary from the hunting-iicld and was
now giving himself up to n pipe and
his own thoughts.
Would il not be better. he thought,
for him to have nice home in the
could country" with nice little wife,
instead OF knocking about the world at
the mercy Of his valet and the hotel
peoplcs And then he fell to picturing
the little wife. and somehow he always
thought Of her in connection with
George Croft.
"He had an idea George rather liked
him. Suppose
At this moment the fire burst into a
bright blaze. and he perceived for the
first time little packet lying ON the
mantel-picce.
"A valentine by Jove!' he exclaimed.
Perhaps it's from Georgie'" but as he
eIamained the direction cry of disap-
pointmcnt escaped him. Goodness
he calculated in wrath. THAT lean
Bingham girlr'
Some moments elapsed before he re-
covered sufficiently to open the packet;
but at length he did so and disclosed n
tiny pill-box; on the lid was written;
"This pill to be taken once in a life
time"
Inside the box was wee doll attired
as n bride. beautifully dressed. oven
with wreath and veil. am sorry to
say that Mr.. st. Michel Delaney crushed
the pretty toy in his hand and dropped
1t with a gesture Of contempt in the
fire. saying. with a somewhat dismal
laugh:
.By Jove! that pou'd be pill and
no mistake"
Three hours later Mrs. Croft's rooms
presented the appearance OF a kalcido-
scope. so brilliant were the rich jewels
and dainty costumes worn.
1t il. perhaps. well to say that De-
fancy was there and was mostly seen
at the side Of George. who looked very
sweet in her simple gown Of white silk
At the supper table. where he had the
fortune to take Miss Croft in, they had
for their vis-a-vis Mary and a young
Irish officer called Neil O'Brien. This
young gentleman. much to Mikes all
vice. began a bantering conversation
with George across the table.
sect many valentincsP" he asked.
George laughed. "Yes a few"
"a Jeso'" calculated the young man.
"Ah; Mike, that's the way our hearts
are trampled. And which did you like
the best'" he continued.
George blushed. oh all don't
know" she stammered. Here Mary
Croft laughed. II don't know who
they're all FROM" said George, in a
hsPPy inspiration