Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1899-02-08

her brow. so threaded with the silver of
years. Il am glad to find this, though
glad to know that l did not give my love
unsought"
Belle stole away silently, leaving her
with her thoughts of other days. A des-
perate plan was forming in her daring
young brain. That night, after the others
were fast asleep, she sat by her desk in
the privacy of her chamber.
1t was a sober, thoughtful face which
rested in the pink palms. as she leaned
her elbows upon the desk, and her eyes
were very dreary. Perhaps he hates me
because / look like Auntie," she unused.
Perhaps he thinks that | will jilt Leon
the idea! If he knew just how things
are-perhaps-1 don't believe but what
yes, I'll risk it. No one need know it.
III get the old valentine, borrow it from
Auntie, and send it to him, telling him
how it was found. OF course he will re-
turn it if requested"
She stole across the wide hall, opened
her aunt's door noiselessly, and stepped
in. The gas was still burning, and the
spinster had fallen asleep in her easy
chair. her hand resting upon the precious
valentine, which had solved a mystery of
patient mouth, and traces of tears upon
her faded cheeks. 1t seemed almost sac
rilege to draw the missive cautiously from
beneath her caressing touch but Belle
did it, and crept back to her own room
without detection. She directed her pref
test envelope plainly to John Hanson,
slipped the valentine into it, and sat down
to write the explanation.
fails" she said, as she ran down to the
letter box. The postman came presently,
and the act was beyond recall.
The next morning. Valentines Day
dawned as clear and beautiful as many
ardent hopes were before the white-doved
envelopes had ceased their rounds.
John Hanson sat by his Office fire, with
the discomfort which always returned
with each anniversary of the day. The
door opened, and the Office boy entered
with a knowing grin upon his amused
face, to hand the merchant a large envel-
ope covered with cooling doves!
Valentine sirT' he said quostioningly.
What if it is? Get out of here"
growled his master, and he left the room
in double quick time.
As soon as he was alone John Hanson
opened the envelope carefully, although
he deliberately broke the two doves which
formed the seal, The first object that
met his eyes was his own offer of mar
riage. made twenty years ago-how SEN
timental it was! Yet it moved his heart
strangely.
Next came Bellies explanation-tha
WAS clear enough, yet he could hardly
understand it. 1t took him some time to
connect the two and to realize just what
il all meant TO him. Then he sprang to
his feet in a very youthful way. ran his
fingers through his hair until it resem-
bled porcupine's quilts, and danced, actu-
ally waltzed around the ROOM until his
coat tails stood out straight, and the Office
boy. peering in, told his fellows that the
boss was going mad, sartin. crazy as a
March hare"
Selling his hat he dashed into the outer
room. where Leon was at work at long
rows of figures.
Put that up" he commanded, as he
come with me.
Leon obeyed in wonder, and the cars
soon left them near his own home. His
uncle hurried him by, and only stopped
when they reached Mr. Preston's gate.
There he cried, facing him for an
excited second. Call me what you please.
An old fool is no worse than young one.
| suppose. Give yourself to Miss Belle
as valentine if you want TO, but remem-
Der you won't have all of my money. My
wife must have her share"
Then the door was opened by Belle.
smiling and dimpling, but with suspicious
ly wet eyes.
She understood the situation and led
John Hanson to the little room where her
unconscious aunt sat at her work.
john
"Nettier'
That was all that she heard as he clos
ed the door, and ran back TO Leon.
John Hanson had returned the lost val
entine again.
What passed in that little room is a
problem that curiosity ray not solve, but
q space of twenty years of bitter misun-
Outstanding was bridged, and two hearts
were reunited.
What though the sweet springtime of
lie was past ?-love is made for eternity.
Belle has never regretted her share in
the matter, and she has no need to.
She will soon be Icons wife, with the
cordial consent of all concerned.
What more can she wish for?-Ladies'
World.
Don't believe that love ever laughs al