Arizona republican., 1908-03-07
SAINT VALENTINES EVE M DASHTOWN

about me. Those common people always do islander their betters."
 The next day was Saturday. and while Lily Long was clearing away the break fast dishes there came a knock at the door. Az her mother was very busy in the sewing room. Lily ran to answer the May on the step.
 "Oh, good morning. girls" exclaimed Lily, feeling pleased that two school mates-who had always been so formal toward her-had called Come in. and excuse the untidy appearance of our house. I've not finished my morning 8 work. you see
 Stella and May entered the house. leaving the door ajar behind them. Once inside the sitting-room they refused seats. saying, very stifly, that they preferred to stand. as their call would be short.
 We came" said Stella. who acted as speaker, ito explain that since the in- vitatiOns were sent out for the ST. Val entne's party, which. as you know. Is to be given at the home of Jack Downs, It has been agreed by the committee on in- vitation to-to-recall several of them. It Is this way. you knOw-each girl and boy had her and his dislikes. And to make the party congenial-well. it has been considered necessary tO-tO--
 Llly's face had turned red at the first words of Stella. Then she grew pale. and. putting out her hands helplessly, said: "Oh. I'm sure know what you wish me to understand. Surely. wouldn't attend the party for the world -slnce-sln,e there Is single boy or girl who does not wish me had half decided not 10 go anyway. for l have UnA fnl should be out of place in my old one. which is shabby But l shall send my regrets s-if-if-that k what you wish
 And we hope you'll not say d word of this to q living soul" said May. ''You see. we-Stella and i-made out the guest list. and it Is very hard for us to be obliged to do this But Jack Downs had to be consulted, since the party Is to be given at his house. So, 10 prevent any unnecessary embarrassment we have called to explain. We do hope you'll not hold this against us"
 And it's Jacks wish that my invita- ton bC-be-"
 Its Jack Downs wish that your inyi- tatiOn be ACCEPTED"
 And to the astOnishment of the three girls Jack Downs stepped into the sit ting room, hls face that of an averaging hero. He turned to Stella and May and spoke with biting sarcasm: ''lt Is said that an eavesdrOpper never hears any good of himself. Well. in this instance 1 have played the eavesdrOpper. and have heard myself wickedly accused-by means of insiuuatiOn-Of something that Is not true. IL is my wish. and the wish of my mother, that Miss Lily be the guest of honor al our house on St. Val entine's eve. for have chosen her to be my valentine. And I have been sent here by my mother with message to Miss Lily. begging her tO prepare herself to sing for us at the party. Mother k very enthusiastic about Lly's voice. and means 10 have her becOmc a u.cHbe. O. our church choir And now ] must ex- plain why listened just outside the half-Open door. I heard my name men tioned by q girl whose friendship for Lily Long Is not sincere I had the right to listen to what Twas being said In connection with myself and the party"
 While Jack was speaking Stella and Msy had been turning first red and then pale. and the guilt of their conscience showed plainly on their faces. At last,