Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1899-02-09

it was the easiest way, l thought. She
was silent. so Of course | was rejected.
'And she is Bellies mother? You are
sure?' she questioned again.
Gas sure as | want to be. Let's talk
of something else; it's no use to open Old
graves to look at lost loves. LII keep
Leon busy enough to make him forget
that pretty FACET 1 work him to death,
and, by his stern face, he seemed capa-
BILE of doing even that
Mrs. Farrell sighed, but was wisely 81
lent.
Meanwhile Belle went home all uncon-
scious of the fact that her face had seal
ed her fate, so far as John Hanson could
control it.
Her mind was filled with the one idea
that ST. Valentines Day was rapidly ap-
preaching, and she must prepare suit
able message to gladden. Icons heart.
At home she found the house in de-
lightful state Of confusion.
I'VE thought to surprise you, my DEAR"
said Mrs. Preston as she entered. But
the workmen were delayed until after
noon, and so things are as you see them.
You have wished for folding doors be-
tween these rooms so often that we de-
cided to put them in
Belle paused in the door to look around
A man was just removing the mantel
from the place which it had occupied for
years. Something large and white fell
to the floor, and Belle picked it up, curl
Gus smile dimpling her face.
"It is-it is a valentine" she cried, turn
ing it over and over, as she looked at the
embossed turtle doves, which were SEEM
l. ~ Lo- o,&
way possible. Whose can it be? Why,
the date is twenty years old. And the
name-is it yours, mamma? 1t has never
been opened
Mine? No, my dear, why, it is
your Aunt Nettie's," turning to her sis
ter, who was entering, a woman as nearly
her counterpart as a sad spinster could
be like q rosy matron.
1t had always been mystery to Mrs.
Preston that she never married, but the
swift change that swept her face at that
moment revealed the secret in part
LET me have it," she said falteringly,
extending a shaking hand, while her voice
thrilled with the hopes and fears Of years.
Il may see it, and read it. promise me
that, Auntie," Belle demanded, holding it
above her head.
L L
tell you a story of long ago." she prom
ised hestatingly, then left the room, fol
lowed by amazed and amused glances
Need I tell you that the strangely re-
covered valentine was the lost offer of
marriage from John Hanson?
When impatient Belle knocked at the
door an hour later, she was admitted, and
wisely appeared not to notice the red eyes
opJ r1oprpr Of hap o11pt
''Rut you loved him, Auntie?" she Ques-
toned. when she had listened to the
story. "He-he is Icons uncle"
Yes. l loved him, dear. and Leon is as
like him as you are like what l was then
see here" and she placed miniature
likeness of herself at sweet sixteen" in
Bellies hand.
"Why, it is me-" declared the astonish-
cd girl. "only l never dressed so. Do
look so much like YOU Aunte? thought
that | resembled mamma"
so you do. but your mother and | look
ed very much alike then, although l have
changed more than She sighed the spin
ster.
"Do-do you love him now?" asked
Belle softly.
Il have never loved another man." an
swered her aunt with evasive truthful
ness.
He thought, of course, that you refus-
ed him when you did not answer what
YOU did not receive" Belle went on. Does
he know that you never married."
No" and the faded cheek flushed pain
fully. Il sent him one of your mothers
wedding cards, and he thought that it
was mine
He is not married either People say
he is regular woman Halter. Oh, Auntie.
Do you suppose-do you think" Belle
faltered and stopped, her eyes finishing
the question eagerly.
Il think-I suppose nothing replied the
elder woman with sad decision. What
right have | to cherish hope now? and
she touched the brown hair which shaded
her brow. so threaded with the silver of
wears. Il am glad to find this, though
clad TO know that | 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.
It 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 l look like Auntie," she unused.
PERHAPS he thinks that | will jilt Leon
the idea, If he knew just how things
are-perhaps-I don't believe but what
YES. III risk it. No one need know 1t.
I'll get the old valentine. borrow 1t 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
| her life. There was smile about her
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