The Red Cloud chief., 1886-02-12
GEORGIE'S VALENTINE.
The Trouble q Doll Caused. and
: What Camo OF It.

live O'Clock tea in Mrs. Croft's draw
iDg-room. 1t was swept and garnished
Many waxen candles cleaned in tn
candclabra. but they were unlighted
only the bright freight lit up the roon
and threw its fitful glare ovcr tn,
fresh-cut flowers and bric-a-brac tina
adorned it.
Evidently. something unusual had
occurred or was about TO do SO. Sucl
was in truth the case.
Oh this evening Mrs. Croft was civ
ing a ball to everybody-everybod,
who WAS anybody in the town was bid
den.
A clink Of tea-things sounded in the
hall and proceeded upstairs to Mis-.
Croft's boudOir, where she and her
cousin. Mary Croft. who had
arrived an hour previously. were sit
ting in all the luxury Of dressing-gowns
and unbound hair.
"And he sen you this, Georgie?"
said Mary. holding up a wonderful
week of art composed of lace and
swan'sdown with a humming bird
nesting in the center.
Yes" answered Georgia. laughing.
'its a beauty, isn't it?"
land you really sent him that one.
as you said you woulde"
-.Yes. l posted it this afternoon be-
fore l Game to meet you"
WELL you are a brave young
woman" she laughed. 81 dared not
have done Il; however. / suppose you
disguised your handwritings"
well. yes. I should think 1 did,"
responded George. 81 wouldn't have
him know for the world. However.
we shall see what he looks like tonight.
1 say, Mary. it's a quarter to seven
we haven't much time to dress"
In the town Of Wellington. where
the conversation took place. and in the
principal inn known rs the Royal. on
the night in question So: st. Michael
Delaney, close to the fire of the cheer
less sitting-rOom.
MI. Delaney was an Irish gentleman
Of good family. who was blessed with
a handsome fortune. and. moreover. a
handsome presence. Both being taken
into consideration. il was not strange
that he was soon admitted into the
limited society of Molliagton in which
the Crofts moved.
Tonight he had returned wet and
weary from the hunting-ficld and was
o giving himself up to q pipe and
his OWL thoughts.
Would il not be better. he thought.
for him to have . nice home in the
-'ould country" with a nice little wife.
instead of knocking about the world at
the mercy of his valet and the hotel
peoplef 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 .
bright blaze. and he perceived for the
first time = little packet lying on the
mantel-piece.
"A valentine by Jove!" he exclaimed.
"'Perhaps it's from Georgiea" but IS he
examained the direction . cry of disap-
pointment escaped him. ''Goodnessw
he ejsculated in wrath. THAT lean
Bingham girlr
Some moments elapsed before he re-
covered sufficiently to open tho packet;
but at length he did so and disclosed .
tiny pill-box; on the lid was written:
This pill to be taken once in a life
time"
Inside the box was . wee doll a.tired
as a bride. beautifully dressed. even
with q wreath and veil. I am sorry to
say that Mr.. St. Michel Delaney crushed
the pretty toy in his hand and dropped
it with q gesture Of contempt in the
FIRE, saving. with . somewhat dismal
laugh:
.:By Jove! that ,ceSld be . pill and
no mistake"
Three hours later Mrs. Croft's rooms
presented the appearance Of > kaleido-
scopc. 20 brilliant were tie rich jewels
and dainty costumes worn
II is. perhaps. veil to say thai D.
l,ney vas there and was mostly seen
the side Of George, who looked very
.veet in her simple gown u white s'ik. !
AZ the supper table. where be bad the
IN tske Miss Croft in. they ma
- 4he;r yis-a.yis Mari. and . Young