The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1899-02-26
CHAPTER II.
A Very Private Conversation.

Isn't the postman very late this morn
lng?' asked DR.. Emerson, as he took his seat
at the breakfast-table
Why, papa, don't you know what day it
is! asked his pretty, blooming daughter
smiling brightly at him from behind the cof-
feepot.
What day? Why, let me see. It's the
14th of February. isn't it?'
Yes, and st. Valentines Day, papa
is 1t? Upon my word, I'd quite forgotten.
of nowadays, my dear.
We'll, 1 know 1 shall think it verystrange
II L don't get a valentine" said Meg, pouting
her pretty lips a little Aren't Won expecting
some, Nora?''
Il? Oh. no! On the contrary, should be
very surprised, indeed, if I were to get one I
agree with your father, that valentines are
out Of fashion,
,, ~of ee course we know where Meg expects
hers from-eh, Nora?" said DR.. Emerson
with quizzical smile. Engaged young la
dies are so very exacting. Well, 1 hope
Charlie won't disappoint you, my DEAR
AT this very moment the old postman
lshambled up the garden-path, his hands
pretty full of letters and packages
Clearly the good old ST. Valentine had still
his devotees in these country parts.
The honest SWANS still found pleasure in
sending valentines to the lasses they loved
best.
Meg was at the hall door in a moment,
and presently came with four letters and a.
parcel.
Three letters for you. papa, one for you
Nora, and"-she blushed deliciously all over
her pretty face-'a valentine for me-
Come, let's look at it," said the doctor.
by George! the young rogue has good taste
I'm not sure though, whether it wouldn't
have been wiser to have saved his money to-
wards housekeeping
mo, it wouldn't, papa" said Meg smiling
and still blushing as she displayed her pres
ent-a very pretty gold bracelet, set with
turquoise and pearls.
"Well, I must be going" declared the doc
tor, presently. Eve got a big days work
before me. Dinner at three, if you please,
Meg. Now goodbye both of you, and keep
out Of mischief-if you cam.
He hustled away from the breakfast-room
and, minute or two later, mounted his
horse and started his rounds.
A doctor, with large country practice, has
never too much time on his hands, and Dr.
Emerson was exception to the rule
A widower, with only one daughter, he lived
happy, busy life, and pretty Meg ruled as
supreme mistress in his home.
1t was great delight to Meg to have her
old schoolfellow with her.
She and Nora made point of visiting each
other for two or three weeks each year: and
as Meg's home was in the very heart of the
hunting country, Nora always paid her visit
in the winter or the early spring.
Breakfast over, and Meg's orders given IN
cook. and sundry little housewifely duties
discharged, the two girls went out for a walk
But they first visited Velvet in the stable
and fed her with mouthfuls of sweet hay as
a mark of their appreciation of the wav in
Jhch she had borne the long railway tourney
Il shall not ride her today said Nora. as
she tendery stroked the animal II must
keep her quite fresh for the meet tomorrovv
They walked a long way that morning.
Meg had much to tell her friend of Charlie
Hanson, the young medical student to whom
she was engaged.
Nora was an interested apd appreciative
listener, and everyone knows what excellent
walkers young ladies can be when they have