The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1893-02-19
KATlE'S ALENTlNE.
By NJ. G.. Woodhull.)

IL was recess in the village school of
Farley, and the day being cold ond dis
agreeable, only few OF the scholars had
ventured out of doors.
The boys and girls were scattered about
the school room in groups OF three ard
four: the teacher was busy explaining
for the third time a sum in Long Division
20 dull pupil.
The only solitary figure in the room was
that Of a paie-faced little humpbacked
girl who sat at her desk turning over the
pqgae OF her render but r~trff r fr -
with both small ears to the eager. merry
chatter OF the nearest group of girls.
Katie owen was an orphan. who six
months before had been unwiliingly re-
ceived into the home Of her fathers step
sister. who gave the child scant care and
tess love- and sad enough was poor little
Katies life.
But as IL this was not sufficient to make
her life miserable from the first hour she
entered the school. her days had been
filled with childish misery. and so shrink
ing and accomplishing was the child, her
not very observing teacher failed to see
the daily prosecutions natie was forced 10
endure.
ITS the 18th, girls. only one day more
before Valentines day." said clear
Girlish voice.
what fun It will be-" exclaimed a
second voice.
How many valentines did you get last
year Mabel?" asked pretty Rose Horner,
the first speaker.
Forgot now, but some OF them were
Just beauties" was the reply.
81 got nine. and expect more this year."
said Rose exuitantly with a toss OF her
chestnut curls. Then rudely pointing her
finger in Katie owens direction, she said
with voice but slightly lowered II guess,
Rtrls she never saw a valentine; nobody
viii ever love her-ugly. cross. crooked
thingl'
At this all the girls Joined in laugh at
little Katies expense, and Mabel Blake
shrugged her plump shoulders In quite
the approved French fashion.
A sharp pang went through Katie's
heart az the cruel speech reached her
ears. Nobody will ever love me-" she
said to herself; 20 wish was dead"
and great hot tears welled up In the
child's sad gray eyes. but hastily brush
ing thsm aside, she lifted her desk-lid so
that the laughing girls might not see.
Roae Horper's heartless words had
reached the ears of one whom she had not
meant should hear-a boy who had quite
lately come to live in Farley, whose polite
manly ways had already won the respect
Of every one OF his schoolmates.
Even Rose Horner and Mabel, the
brightest. prettiest girls in the school.
thought II special honor TO have Roy
Fulton invite them to go shedding or to
have him strap on their skates. Up to
that moment Roy had liked both the
girls, and told his mother they were mice
and iady-iike but lots OF fun too; now
he turned away with a feeling OF disgust.
for with all his manliness, or rather be-
cause Of Il. he had warm heart and
could not bear to hurt anybodys feel-
tngA
AS Roy turned q cold shoulder on the
thoughtless girl ais quick eyes saw poor
Katie deing her best to hide her hurt
feelings and falling tears.
ITS q Downright shame" thought Roy;
Sphe'li never forget that mean speech II
me lives TO be q hundred"
Just then the bell rang and = moment
6tsy silence rsisned In the schooi-rootn.
When Roy reached home that afternoon
- told his mother what had taken place
D school that day. and the two. VINO were
- eest friends n The world. - every