Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1890-02-27
"HERBERT WILSON, ESQ"

NhfSAOBNo1 oOAiAN III bOACSy all oudptS anu
sizes. The curious part of it was thai
every one was addressed to the same
person; for on every one was written. in
very crazy letters: "Herbert Wilson,
Esq"
BERTHE was simply bewildered. Who
could have sent so many valentines to
him?
Quickly taking hold of the biggest box
be began to open it. All at once the lid
Jew up, and hit him in the face. Then
the other boxes jumped up, and began
to knock his head, arms, and legs; and
then they all began shouting: at is
Valentines Day at last"
BERTHE rubbed his eyes, gave himself
a shake, and woke to find that it was
only dream.
There were no valentines knocking
him, but his sister Rhoda was knocking
at his door, trying to wake him, and
shouting: Its Valentines Day. Wake
up, Bertiel wonder who will have the
most valentinesl"
With one bound BERTHE was out OF
bed, and before Rhoda had finished ty-
ing her pinafore he was halfway down
stairs.
''Rat-a-tat-tat!" came the postmans
knock at the door, and five letters we're
left in Bertie's hands.
But just as he was going to examine
his treasures a hand was stretched over
his shoulder, and Rhoda snatched the
letters from him, and ran with them in
to the breakfast-room.
IA
claimed Mrs. Wilson.
"Mother-the letters!" gasped Rhoda,
quite out of breath.
valentines Day." said BERTHE;
''there's one FOR me on the top"
Say Good morning properly, chill
dren, and give me the letters, said Mr..
Wilson.
He looked at the letters.
zone for Rhoda, one for mother, and
three for me, q" he said; There are none
Cor you, Berthe You are not Herbert
Wilson, Esq The top ono is for me-"
BERTHE went very red, and murmured
something about feeling sure it was for
him. But no one took any notice.
There, Master Bertie,n cried Rhoda,
''who has the most valentines?"
But Berthe was anxiously watching |
his father Mr.. Wilson, however, did /
not seem in any hurry to open his lot
tiers.
"Well, as it is Valentines Day, chill
dren," he said, ''how would you like
half-holiday this afternoon, and drive
with me into town.
How would they like IT? Rhoda
beamed, and troubled BERTHE nearly
smiled.
81 am sure they would like it very
much, !" said Mrs. Wilson. What timo
do you start?"
Two o'clock; so come home early
from school,
ut is time you we're of now, chill.
dren," said Mrs. Wilson. run and get
ready"
Rhoda jumped up, but BERTHE walked
very slowly. As he passed behind his
fathers chair he glanced longingly at
the unopened letter.
When he returned TO the room with
his hat on he looked very unhappy, for
he saw the letter in his fathers hand.
He stepped forward to speak, but to his
surprise his father said:
Il am sorry. children, to have to dis
appoint you, but this is notice of
meeting which / must attend / shall
have to go into town much earlier"
''ohi" said Rhoda; and it was very
long ''Ohl" ,
Mr.. Wilson turned to his wife.
at is very queer, he said. II thought :
the meeting was next week, not this" :
ASK Mr.. Brown about it," said Mrs. :
Wilson; ''he is sure to know"
81 will. Rhoda, as you go to school,
take this note in to Mr.. Brown, and ask
Il he has had one like it,
shall take it?' asked BERTHE. Q
"Well, you may both take it; and If II
Is all right you need not come back" I
BERTHE put his sachel over his shoul- o
der very thoughtfully-so thoughtfully 7
that he never noticed that he had for I
gotten to put any books in it first. ,
Rhoda took the big umbrella, and then u
hand-in-hand they went down the walk. a
BERTHE looked very cross. He felt so
Sorried that he never looked round TO a
rave his hand to his mother. who stood y
1t the gate watching the children.
Berthe" said Rhoda, gently, 1T is d
pity we can not have our ride" s.
UNI said BERTHE.
Berthe said Rhoda again, II am so n
lorry had valentine and you didn't. Z
You are certain TO have one some time n
io-day, becanse''-then she hesitated-
because / sent you one myself"
@Rhoda, I'll" began BERTHE, but Just 4
then Rhoda ran across the road to gen d
Lleman il
,, Oh, dear, it'sMr Brown. said BERTHE. G.
NC watched Mr.. Brown open the letter, b
Jaw Mr.. Brown frown. and then pl