The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1889-02-13

room, and never, never again TO look at
or speak to her on any pretext whatever
what in heavens name does all this
mean!" cried the bewildered youth turn
ing to Miss Fairfax "What have done to
be treated in this manner! If you can tell
me, Miss Edith, entreat you to do 500
Miss Edith looked good deal confused
for moment, but soon regained her self
possession.
II think l can EXPLAIN she said,
quietly; land AMI that imp of darkness
at the door must share the blame be-
tween US. The fact is, Mamie, as l went
down town this morning, l saw your
! faithful messenger playing marbles on
the sidewalk with whole lot of idle lit
tie wretches like himself, and your mail
deposited on convenient doorstep to
await his leisure. Of course l detected
the valentine at a glance; and the spirit
of mischief, caught, I suppose. from
Master Cupid inspired me to TAX, it in the
| house-Fannie Leavitt's, my dear-where,
with the help of steam from a boiling ket-
| tie, l easily opened it, removed the con-
tents, substituted the one you found re.
sealed and replaced it on the steps with
out that little ebony image even missing
it, or so much as knowing I was any
where near. so engrossed was he in his
game. Knowing your sentiments on the
subject of comic valentines the tempta-
ton was irresistible to see if you would
really be as indignant as you said. l ex-
pected to make you angry, Mamie, but
believe me, | had no idea Of distressing
you so; and I'm heartily sorry and
ashamed of my foolish prank. P.ease
nd
another comic valentine as long us ]
live"
Mamie shook her head disconsolately.
but her sobs were not nearly 50 violent as
they had been. Young Marshall picked
up the rejected valentine and opened it.
His eyes flashed and his lips set sternly
together as he scanned it, then looked full
at Edith. She blushed violently, and tried
in vain to meet his eyes steadily
$50 this is the thing you sent your
| cousin as coming from me! You are lady,
Miss Fairfax, and | am gentleman, so
can't tell you as plainly as l would like
| what think of this pleasantly of yours.
beg, however, when you next feel dis
posed to play off "a practical joke, you will
choose another subject. A mans honor
and gentleman's courtesy are too
precious things to be sacrificed for a frolic.
May l ask what you have done with my
valentine!"
Without word Edith opened her work
box and handed him the beautifully
decorated sheet
There it is, Mamie, here is your true
valentine Won't you look at it. darling!
1t isn't half pretty enough for you, but it
was the best could dor whispered the
young lover.
But Mamie turned her head still further
away.
mo, no." she exclaimed 81 don't want
ever to see it'll know you only sent it be-
cause sent you one, and what bold, for
ward girl you think me-"
"But pledge you my word of honor,
dearest, had sent mine. had that in
slant dropped it in the letter-box when
| Cupid came with yours. l know l ought
not to have taken it from him, but, as Miss
Fairfax says: The temptation was ire
sistible' 1swear mine was sent frstH'
OF course, Mamie believed him. What
girl doubts when her lover swearss Es-
pecially when belief applies salve to sore
heart and wounded pride.
Whether she ever cordially forgave
| Edith Fairfax for her practical joke, or
ever fully believed it was simple mischief
without spice of jealousy that Influenced
her, can't say. Ipresume she did, how
ever, for she had soft little heart and not
much dignity, as you have doubtless OBJ
served. At any rate, her cousin officiated
| as head bridesmaid at the wedding some
months later, and believe she kept her
word and never again sent c. mic valen-
tine. MRS A. G.. CANFlELp.