The record-union., 1891-02-15

lips as she slowly unfolded the paper.
Again she read the scrawling, iIl-spelt,
albeit we'll composed verses, and starts as
she scans the initials S. G. Strange"
she murmured :. the same,' and then
folding it carefully again replaced it
among those hidden broken treasures.
One more year has rapidly passed away.
Once more is st, Valentine scattering his
bows and arrows right and left; one year
of sad changes for Violet Joyceline. 1t
has left her orphaned and penniless. PEN
elope is married, and very kindly offered
her sister home. But Violet preferred
independence, and received position as
governess. At this family Sidney Col
Hngwood was regular and favored viS-
itor. One day passing hurriedly through
the halls Violet came suddenly face 70
face with him. Her heart almost bounded
from her breast as she stood before him.
but to all outward appearances calm and
self-possessed. He reached out his hands
imploringly: :" Niolet-Miss Joyceline-
l have been waiting, hungering for a
chance to speak to you"
She raised her head haughtily: Mr..
Collingwood, a short time after meeting
you my position was entirely changed
p" Miss Joyceline," he spoke hurriedly,
paSslonately, we We're almost friends
once; can we not become fully sop
Those whom / once called friends"
she replied, are but acquaintance now;
nay," sadly, ''some have become total
strangers
9 Miss Joyceline," very humbIy, :" it is
with the greatest respect and admiration
| regard you. . Tell me''-and his bright
black eyes looked pIeadingly into the
shrinking blue ones opposite-'' may see
and speak with you occasionally? Tor be-
lieye me it is the. desire of my fife to gain
your friendship clasping her hand with
warm, eager fingers, tell me, tell me-
when and where can see you ~
Striving to disengage his hand she steps
backwards, he following step by step,
" Tell me, tell me-" he pleads, until she,
in sheer desperation, hearing her employ
er's voice dangerously near, gives whis-
pered consent, s.nd with joyouSly beat
ing heart almos ran TO the school-room.
1t is again st. Valentines morning, and
little Emmie-one of Violet's pupils
hands her teacher a note. Upon opening
the thick, square envelope Violets face
turns scarlet, for it was a valentine, q
smooth, creamy sheet of paper, i'll one
corner of which was painted a single dark
purple violet, and underneath was writ
ten in a clear, bold hand, these lines:
Pretty little violet blue,
OF modest worth and purple blue
So many charms in thee combine
I'll take thee f3f my valentine,
Ill taEe thee for my valentine
Ill bind thee with the roses red.
III tie thee with siliIen thread.
III wear thee near my constant breast,
Ana love thee more than all the rest
And love thee more than ali the rest
After reading. the simple, tender words
tears of joy filed Violet's eyes. Il love
him. she whispered softly q love
him, love him, | love him.
. think it is a shame'' pouted little
Emnie to her brother and sister, .sSt.
Valentines Ought to be holiday.p
Z" All J but il isl said Il laughing voice
at the school-room door. Your senti-
ments are mine exactly, Miss Emmie: So
! persuaded mamma to give YOU a holi-
day" and Sidney Collingwood enters
With a sparkle of niirth in his brilliant
lark eyes, so run of and play" With
3tt waiting for a second bidding the
''iidren, WITH shouts of joy, scamper
rom the room.
Violet turns her burning face to the
window, biusihing painfully, and deeply
confused y quick, firm step brings him
10 her side. Still she moves not. Her
heart is repeating its Joyous refrain
Il love hinn, / loyeifsim, love him.
His arm clasps her waist and her bonnie.
brown mead is pressed tenderly, passion
ately against his breast; he bends his
handsome, tall head, until his lips press
hers, in a mute, clinging, lovers long
kiss. MY valentine" he whispers
softly; she trembles violently with de-
l have not space to relate all that passed
between these two.i He tells her of a
widowed mother, a struggle for bread,
when he was fain to accept the job of
butcher boy.
Then you are the gasped Violet.
Yes, the identical butcher boy who
fell head over ears in love with a little
brown-haired mite of girl, peeping
compassionate ely at my red face and blue
hands, on my morning rounds. Tell
me, sweetheart, are you disappointed ?'
"Disappoin ted?'' her arms twine cling
lngly, lovingly, around his strong,
shapely, neck, and her lips press his
white throat, as she murmurs, +" 1 love
you, love you, I love you.'