The Big Sandy news. [volume] (Louisa, Ky.) 1885-1929, 1889-02-14

sealed and directed in large masculine
Cuthbert Marshall's hand with no pre-
envelope removed, there appeared the
usual embossed and decorated envelope
within.
"Ohi hope it isn't one Of those things
all satin and fringes," cried Mamie. "Pd
SO much rather have written one all in
his own hand"
Carefully and tenderly she unfolded it,
and beheld q coarse. vulgar caricature OF
THE Girl OF the Period" and underneath
the doggerel lines;
% You want husband, all can see,
And think to find that chap in me;
And so you throw your hook and line
Well-baited with q Valentine.
The fish won't bite; that's very plain;
So take your message back again"
1t was pitiful TO see the change that
swept over that young face as the glad,
expectant eyes perpsed the dastardly In
suit All light and life and color died out
of it. 1t Itmight have been the face Of one q
day dead, so cold, pale and rigid it looked
She stood motionless, gazing at the ugly
thing, as II, Medusa-like, it had stricken
her to stone. Her cousin, who had been
watching her keenly, grew alarmed at her
pallor and silence, and, going up to her,
shook her by the arm.
"Why, Mamie, what ails youi What
makes you look so strangel You look like
you saw ghost!n
II dor said the poor girl. ~ see the
ghost of my own dead love, killed by this
shameful outraged Onp she continued,
throwing the valentine on the floor, and
clasping her hands passionately together,
Il know ought not to have sent him one
first; II was forward, unmaidenly; but SC
many do it! / loved him SO mucb-I was
so sure he lovet mel didn't think there
was any harm In I'll Oh, it was cruel,
cruel, to repay me thusl' And poor Mamie
threw herself on the sofa, lifted up her
voice and wept aloud.
Now, it SO happened that some minutes
before there had come ring at the
street door-bell which neither Of theyopng
ladies in their preoccupation had heard.
But Master Cupid, whose business 1t was
to attend to all the bells in the establish
ment heard 1t; and with unusually
prompt attention to duty, hastened t.
answer it. And just at this climax he
opened wide the parlor door, and with the
brief announcement: ''Marse Cubberd
comm in ushered on the scene hand
some, tall young fellow who looked petri.
fed with amazement. as well he might,
at the tableau before him. On the table
his well-recognised envelopes, on the floor
crumpled paper, and on the sofa pretty
Mamie Walsingham, the beloved Of his
heart, in an agony of grief.
Was this the reception his beautiful
valentine, so lovingly prepared and hope,
fully committed to tho mail, had met
with. If so, goodbye to the hopes, II not
to the love! Ha approached the sofa and
would have addressed its forlorn oc.
cupant, but with fresh burst OF tears
| she waved him tragicaily away, and in the
plainest terms requested him to leave the
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 maunerl II you can tell
me, Miss Edith, entroat you to do So"
Miss Edith looked good deal confused
for moment, but soon regained her self
possession.
~ think l can explain" she said,
quietly; "and and that imp Of darkness
at the door must share the blame be-
tween u.s. The fact Is, Mamie. as I went
down town this morning. saw your
faithful messenger playing marbles on
the sidewalk with whole lot Of idle lit
tie wretches like himself, and your mai
deposited on convenient doorstep tc
await his leisure or course, / detected
the valentine at a glance; and the spiri,
of mischief caught l suppose. from
Master Cupid, inspired me 10 taks 1t in the
house-Fanuie Leavitrs, my dear-where
with the help Of steam from boiling ket
tie, easily opened 1t, removed the con
sealed and replaced 1t on the steps with
out that little ebony image even missing
it, or so much as knowing was any
where near, so engrossed was he in hii
game. Knowing your sentiments on tn,
subject Of comic valentines, the tempta
tion was Irresistible to see II you woul,
really be as indignant MS you said. ex
pected TO make you angry, Mamie, but
believe me. had no idea Of distressin,
you so; and I'm heartily sorry an,
ashamed Of my foolish prank. Pleas,
forgive mo this timo, and I'll never sen,
another comic valentine as long as
lve,n
Mamie shook her head disconsolateiy
but her sobs were not nearly 80 violent oi
they had been. Young Marshal picked
up the rejected valentino and opened 1t
His eyos flashed and his lips set STORM,
together as he scanned II then looked fnl
at Edith. She blushcd violently, and 9ict
N vi q &C meet his eyes steadily.