Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1910-05-13

shoes had left dusty footprints on
three years of her life "Im very
sorry" he said calmly. taking an order
book out of one pocket and II fountain
pen from another lie looked expec-
family at Valeria. and his eyes fingered
on her soft masses of brown hair and
her tender blue eyes
The tender blue eyes changed to
steel gray when they encountered the
gaze of the spice man. and food Of
color invaded the cool cheeks 10 her
little ears. Valeria Bird had mel that
same glance in the eyes of many men.
but never before had she lost her com
posture.
Overhead Aunt Susanna's heavy
bulk shook the ceiling as she hurried
to and fro In her preparation for the
missionary society. Outside In the
grapevines late robins were feasting
on the luscious clusters. and their
sweet songs were reminiscent Of ear
lier springs when Valera had worn
pale blue gowns and held her proud
little head aloof from all suitors, re-
serving herself for some ideal being.
one who was handsome and gifted
and whose name might be "Montfort"
"Valeria Montfort' sounded even a
little better than valeria Bird.
II want some cinnamon and mace
she said at last land a bottle of va
nilla and some nutmegs."
The spice man closed his book and
arose to go. THANK you. ma'am," he
col mi ho In hon nd 11lt ~.
goods day after tomorrow. Good aft-
ernoon."
wait minute and I'll pay you,"
said Valera. leaving the room.
When she returned the spice man
was crawling about the floor on his
hands and knees, examining the stripes
with strange intentness.
Have you lost something's she
asked.
He scrambled to his feet. looking
very much ashamed of himself
Valeria watched him climb into the
shining wagon at the gate, and when
It had disappeared In a cloud Of dust
she turned and looked at the carpet.
For what had the spice man been seek
ing? Save for additional traces Of
sand on the carpet she could see moth
ing. Her housewifely soul acclaimed
against the untidy floor, but she did
not brush the sand away.
At tea time Aunt Susa ma rustled
home from her society meeting. She
united her bonnet strings with impa-
tient fingers as Valeria brought in the
teapot.
Il heard all about the new spice
man. Valeria," she said breezily. Hes
from Comcomupus way, and he's dis
tant relation of yours too. His mother
was own cousin to your mother. He
amt never married. He's always lived
on the home place and farmed 1t till
last year his mother died. and he's
been looking to buy a good business.
He"-
What is his name?" asked valeria,
quietly slipping her tea.
Mrs. Bird hesitated with spoon pois-
ed above the sugar basin. Her little
dark eyes fell before valera's inquir-
ing gaze.
John Smith-John James Smith
and it's very good name, too" said
Aunt Susanna defantly.
Valeria said nothing.
The next time the spice man called
Valeria was alone. When he had set
the small packages on the table he
said:
II guess you think ought to explain
what was looking for that day when
you found me on the floor. ] was
wondering If there was a stripe of
pink that had some cloth in it-pink
with little white stars on it." He
paused and flushed slightly.
Valera nodded. There is a piece
like that | used to have a dress like
that when l was fourteen years old.
All this carpet is made out of my
clothes" 80.
Mr.. Smiths face was eager and glow
ing now Il met you once years ago.
You was wearing it. l never forgot
your face. was driving young colt.
and you was scared when the colt
shield. and you ran to the side of the
road and dropped a basket Of eggs,
and
And you got down and picked up
the whole eggs and gave me so cents.
I've got the so cents now" exclaimed
Valera animatedly. Like an instanta.
neous photograph she saw the tall,
handsome young man who had come
to her assistance that long ago day.
whose appearance had taken her girl.
ish fancy and had forever after re-
NAMED her ideal. And In her dreams
she had named him "Montfort."
why did you keep the 90 cents,
Miss Valeria" asked the spice man
curiously.
Il thought your name was Mont.
fort" said Valeria impulsively.
He laughed heartily. Its just plain
John James Smith," he said, with a
certain sturdy pride in his tone.
"Now, I wonder If you wouldn't Just
give me a little piece of that pink
calico. | want II for something" he