Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1903-11-12

Something seemed to Keep him from
opening the package under the eyes Of
the curious. 1t was not mi he was well
out Of town that he cut the string and
gingerly lifted out card emblazoned
with wreath of forgetmenots. There
was pretty little verse, and he read II
through wonderingly. But when he
reached the end he gave a sudden ejac-
ulation. There was a name signed.
'Mely Anderson
His heart beat strangely as he looked
down at the wreath of forgetmenots
In their place he seemed to see n pair
of blue eyes. Suddenly he realized the
cause Of his Indifference to the Brian
ton girls. 1t was Nelly.
Nelly! He would find her, and then
But he did not even know her ad-
dress. The package bore the postmark
of the nearest city. That was all But
he could not fail. He must find her.
The next afternoon found Jack Car
son hopelessly walking the city streets.
He still scanned tho faces of the pass
ersby, but the first enthusiasm of his
search was gone. He had come in OH
the earliest train and had made
straight for the nearest directory. In
vain; it did not hold the name Of
Amelia Anderson. Inquiry in many
quarters had also failed.
And now he was undecided Should
he 90 home and leave the matter in
the hands of some detective agency or
should he stay and keep up the search
in person? He was passing one OF the
great department stores. One window
was gay with valentines of every size
and shape. He sighed as he looked.
Nelly might have liked one Of these.
In his gloom even the thought Of her
brought Il lifting of the clouds. He
would buy valentine and send it to
her, care of the general post Office de-
livery. Perhaps it might find her.
1t took but minute to find the
counter and lie was lingering dainty
creation Of painted satin and lace when
soft voice asked, Can l wait on
your
Jack started and looked down into
pair of blue eyes. 1t was Nelly.
He stared dumfounded. 1t was Nelly
and yet not Nelly. The angular figure
had rounded out, and neat well fitted
dress of black revealed every curve
of grace and beauty. Her red hair
was Il glory, piled up on the top of her
small head laugh lurked in the
corner of her red lips. Only her eyes
were unchanged. They met his full Of
gratitude.
In their depths he found courage.
"Mely," he cried rapturously, 1--WE been
hunting for you all day till l was just
about discouraged. | wanted" he hest
tated, ito thank you for the valentine"
The girls cheeks famed. II was
transferred to this counter the other
day, and the sight of all these pretty
things made me remember that day III
the Brarton schoolhouse. Not that /
have ever forgotten it, she added has
tily, while her blush grew deeper, "but
it made me want to send you valen.
tine just to show you l hadn't forgot
ten. SO | sent il, and you got II" she
finished breathlessiy
He had quite forgotten the probable
presence of other shoppers. Fortunate
~ 1t was late IN the day. and the yalen-
tine counter was deserted.
"And so | got it, he repeated tender
ly "Thats why | came toto ask you
to 90 back to Brarton with me. | love
you, Nelly. I've been loving you ever
since that day. only I've been too stu
pid to know it. Can't you find it in
your heart to love me a little? The home
is all ready, and mother is waiting"
The girl caught her breath sharply
"Its so long since I've had a mother or
home" she whispered. And as Jack
looked down into her blue eyes he knew
that the battle was won.