Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1898-02-10

uedtlHS nedTI. what we're all mother S
warnings and counsels to me now?
The enclosure was typewriter
poem. turned the page and looked for
the signature. There was none, only
the last line, which read, From your
faithful Valentine" N my pre0ccupa-
ton l had quite forgotten until now
that this was st. Valentines day. With
burning cheeks I read:
Let us strive for what is noblest,
Life is short, then live it well.
Faint not in thy high endeavor,
Love hath cast DER me its spell
For humanity I labor,
All humanity I love,
Yet the thought Of thee, fair lady,
Does my deepest being move.
Were | only sure to please thee,
Labor then were pure delight;
All my sorrows were forgotten,
All my wrongs would then be right.
l had read thus far when Hulda re-
appeared, this time with George Far
mer's card. l should like to have fin
ished reading the valentine before 60
ing down stairs, but mother had fol-
lowed Hulda closely, and stood at the
door. l slipped the precious verses
guiltily into my pocket, and turned
flushed and happy face toward her.
Il hope you don't think of going out
with Mr.. Farmer this afternoon, Kate"
she said as soon as Hulda was out of
hearing.
why not, mother? l feel perfectly
WELL" I answered.
Il see you do now" she replied with
emphasis, but if NJ. Farmer under
stood your relations to Will Wilson I
doubt if he would care to take you
sleighing this afternoon.
l only smiled. | was too confident
and too happy to contradict her, or to
tell her that l had changed my mind
quite suddenly but very positively.
Il think | will go down to see Mr..
Farmer, if you please, mother" was
all | said, and as went down the
stairs l thought poor motEer!" 1t
would be a great disappointment to
her, but I would never marry Will WI
son. l felt very confident with that
valentine reposing in my pocket.
George Farmer rose as [ entered the
room, and came toward me, looking as
self-conscious and unhappy as usual.
Good afternoon, Miss Marshall he
said, Il hope you remember your prom
Use to go S eigh,ng with me when the
snow cameo"
oh, yes, [ remember it perfectly.
and | am so glad it showed today" |
answered
After those verses I need not feel
ashamed to encourage him.
You are very kind. I thought
perhaps was afraid-at least
didn't know" he stammered.
whether it was too soon to come now
or not, so got horse and cutter and
came UP to see. It's a nice afternoon"
1T is beautiful afternoon, and II
will get my things ON at once. l have
been in all day, and it will be so nice
to get some fresh air
When | went to my room there was
mother waiting for me. It was par
tculaTly annoying, for 1 meant to take
time to read the rest of my valentine.
Are you going out with Mr..
taImer?" she asked, severely.
Yes, mother" l spoke as careless
ly as [ could, arranging my hat and
veil as I spoke
L am very sorry that daughter of
mine should show herself so frivolous
and lacking in right princirles.o she
said distinctly.
L hesitated moment, then I turned
toward her as I drew on my gloves. I
tried to speak gently.
Mother" l said, there are some
subjects on which we can never thinl,
al Ike. an very sorry to disappoint
you, but would not marry VIII Will
son if l knew I should five to be 100
and no other man would ever ask me.
am ashamed to have considered it
for moment Then I went up To
her and kissed her, though she never
stirred nor made the slightest re-
spouse to the caress. T would do al
most anything in the world to please
but not this.
AS the street door closed after
George Farmer and me, 1t seemed as if
for the hour at least, we had left every
unpleasant thought behind us. How
the sun shone and the fresh snow
sparkled. I had never been so happy
in my life, and I felt that he was
happy TOO. Though he hardly spoke
Tor the first mile. Then lie said, with
4 little embarrassed laugh: "I SUD-
rose you know this is St. Valentines
day?"
Yes, l know it," I replied.
Did you get any valentines?" he
Yentured.
only one," said I.
1 didn't know it was the fashion to
send them in the city. I'd have liked
to send you one. I meant this sleigh
ride for kind of valentine" turning
to look at me as if doubtful how
would take it.
"Oh, Pm sure it's a very nice kind
Of valentine" 1 murmured, wondering
what could be the explanation of that
poem in my pocket
Il wrote some poetry for you," he
continued shyly, land got it all ready
to send, but it wasn't very good, and
was afraid you would laugh at it, so |
didn't send it. It's the only poetry ]
ever wrote in my life"
Il thought it was very NICE" l said
Why, how do you know? You