Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1902-02-14

names of women in box to be drawn
out by men. each man being bound to
serve and honor the woman whose.
name he had drawn. Perhaps this prac-
tee gave rise to the phrase, Marriage
| is lottery"
| In time the old Roman custom was
transplanted to England, where lads
and lassies met on the day of the saints
martyrdom to choose their valentine by
lot or otherwise.
| Another custom was to throw open
the window early in the morning and
the first person seen would be your VAL
entine for the year. The gods would
insure the right man being in the right
place on that particular morning.
In this unitarian age when senti-
nent is frowned upon as something
provincial, the sweet old custom Of
sending valentines has fallen into disre-
pute. The modern young man sneers
at Cupid's rhymes, and the up-to date
young woman demands jewels, flowers
and bon-bons.
The dawn of the tender passion on
our planet must have occurred when
Eve first appeared to Adam awaking
from his deep sleep. she having sprung
from his side full panoplied' in beauty
| like Minerva from the brain of Jove.
When OF that first day of 'squatter
sovereignty" Adam had looked over all
his possessions he felt keenly that
something was lacking and there crept
into his heart feeling of disappoint-
rrent and loneliness. AS lord of Eden.
IN
cared he for his kingdom with no sub
Ject to acknowledge his lordship?
He went half heartedly about his
garden tasks, and as the day wore on
his loneliness increased. AS he stood
in pensive silence in the evening twi-
light he glanced upward and. behold!
there gazed down upon him in soft
compassion the new moon. His heart
thumped He had n presentiment some
thing was going to happen. he knew not
what. He felt an invisible hand tug
ging at his ribs in the region of the
heart. In the branches above his head
the nightingale trilled out his notes of
love. With a prolonged sigh Adam
threw himself on the ground beneath
the tree of life and finally feel into deep
slumber.
AS rosy dawn lit up the sky Adam
awoke. He stretched his limbs and rose
UP with lighter feeling round his ribs.
/. strange sensation at his heart. Sud
denly he rubbed his eyes. Was he
awake or dreaming? Surely that
strange creature in front of him he had
never seen before Unlike the other ami
mails. it was like himself, yet strangely
different. His surprise increased His
breath came quick and fast. He felt
feverish. and his heart beat rapidly He
stood for moment speechless; then he
gasped:
What are you?"
The lovely creature smiled coquet-
tishly.
Picking a loose hair from off his
shoulder she compared it with his wild.
unkempt locks. and smiled again her
sweetest smile.
IT am your valentine" she said.
In one corner of the city library sat
group of pretty, young girls, discussing
the Lenten season. was apparently
absorbed in book, but kept my ears
open all the same.
sacrifice" said the little symphony in
blue with fluffy golden hair. II think
that is the most disagreeable thing
can do. and as long as it has to be done
some time, don't see why l shouldn't
go in Lent, and so kill two birds with
one stone. And I'm sure that's more
than wearing sackcloth."
what practical girl you are!" re-
piled tall blonde in brown automo-
bile coat. II should never have thought
of such brilliant idea Thanks for the
tip"
Girls" exclaimed a dashing little
brunette, Pm fixing up just the swell
est gown for Lent. It's that black Gre
pom got last summer and couldn't
wear because 1T was too hot. have
black taffeta waist. and black taffeta
hat with violets, and shall have bunch
of violets at my belt, and that reminds
me that I must go down and get some
violet ribbon for my prayer book to
match the violets in my hat"
Its good idea to plan out becom-
ing costume for Lent" spoke up a
eueenly- looking girl with high color
and languid manner. zone can't have
anything HeW ul ILtSlcI, HOW ludt dll
the servant girls come out in new Eas-
ter gowns, and If one has nice Lenten
gown 1t can be used for quite while
after Lent"
Were going east next week." said
another, "and I'm glad Lent has come
so early, cause now I shall see some of
the best plays at the theaters."
well, shall tend the theaters right
along here at home" said rebellious-
miss in a green tailor-made.
"Matinees and evening both, and shall
attend service every morning. and
that's enough for me-"
Why, Mary. Mary! Quite contra
ry," said the girl In the brown coat.
You know it isn't good form to go to
the theater In Lent"
Good form, fddlesticks." shifted the
green girl inelegantly. Guess there are
plenty OF folks in bad form, then"
But" cooed a SWEET little miss rath-
err tinidly, "our rector says we ought
tc give UP something we love ever so
much, and I'm going TO give up candy
in Lent and not eat a bit"
Neither am l." said the green rebel
promptly. my complexion is little