The Washington herald., 1909-02-15

AmaryIIis Dean vas homelyz
How stupid Of ne" gasped A-naryllis. trying q
over instead Of going around But got the heart.
Mr. Newell ske added, displaying elaborate red
satin one
You got two. Miss Dean said Carl quite ira
tional bys now. Miss Dean. you're the" Well,
they discussed at some length the remarkable felicity
with which they seemed 10 get and the pleasure
with which they looked forward 10 continuance Of
the coincidence
When they appeared upstairs with satin hearts
pinned over qIickened ones. Nancy gazed aghast.
Amaryllis Dean. look your gowni Ruined
absolutely ruined, and the only decent you have
she scolded loudly. Il thought anybody would reach
that cord instead OF proving around you
have done. It's all my fault and I've spoiled your
gown and your evening"
To be sure. though she hadn't noticed il before.
Amaryllis white satin gown sight-all dust ati
cobWebs and the bottom stained with the wine which
had stood il little pool behind the cask Though.
Nancy said Il the only presentable gown she had.
Amaryllis etinced shade Of annoyance concerned
only that Nancy should blame herself for the mis-
hap.
Most girls would make deuce OF a row" re-
fected Carl Before the evening Nancy whis-
pered into the attentive OF Robert Haskell One
may disposition If ones good fairy pro-
vides the occasion"
Late that nigh. when the pink wax Cupid IN the
library was aiming his bow al The bust OF Socrates
above the fireplace having tried his everybody
else, Nancy opened the door softly 70 find Carl and
Robert smoking final cigar before retiring
There just few % you going to be per-
mtted a guaranteed peek into the future. which VIII
disclose without fail the identity Of own true
valentine shall write these slips Of paper"
said Nancy. with mock solemnity. she from
desk paper pencil and envelopes names OF four
young women for each OF you, whom has YOU
more interested in than in others"
Nancy wrote each slip with much gravity
and thoughtful forehnser placed conscientiousy at
her temple L place them in these envelopes seal
them, so-and YOU Carl and you Robert VIII shake
nght for the spirit Of St Valentine arrange and in
the morning select the second envelope from the right
Destroy the others without opening the charm IS
broken. then open the fatal envelope and go ahead
sereney. Ais plain sailing on the sea Of love"
Have care. Nancy HsverilI,' laughed Carl New
ell, watching dresniy The eirclng smoke Of his cigar
You know have pagan faith in the little god OF
chance Be careful what you do"
Il know i. Carl Newell But don't be alarmed.
I'm consigning you 10 the wise OF St Valentine
Promise. now, both Of you to do as 7 say"
The inbued. also with the spirit % the ssnti-
mental raised their right hands IN solemn compliance
Nancy raced up the stairs. smothering a little
chuckle. and went straight TO the room OF AnarylIs
whom she found sitting her gazing out on 70
nothing At al and holding in her hand a red satin
heart. She protested all the time against Nancvss
foolishness. but when the door closed behind her
Amaryls placed the four envelopes under her pillow
carefully and stood looking down them for long
Ions time
The next morning Rob Haskell caught Nancy bv
the she hurrying by him with averted face
Young woman. you've gone and done Il now
Since you insisted invoking e aid of providence
and the saints and the fairies 70 point out my matr-
monal path, In going to see that you abide BY II
The I drew out Of the second envelope to the
right this morning was-Nancy Haverint-
OF course, II was, silly
OF COURSE"
Why. yes wrote my name on All Of yosr slips
smaryllis' name all Of CarI's and Carts on all o.
Amaryllis' Nancy put her hand Up beside her golden
pompadour IA military salute At your ssrvice-Nancy
Haveril first aid to St Valentine. assistant manager
TO Cupid. ard Official stsrter in the for love-
IN less thar two weeks young had b.
come temporarily an5idextrous owing the blazing
OF two stones two happy fourth fingers