Norwich bulletin., 1911-02-11
THE ROMANCE OF A VALENTINE

bye to their friends on the dock, and apparently waiting for one of their own number to appear.
 q fear Priscilla has decided not to go,' said one.
 @Oh. no" was the reply; "she will be here at the last minute with some good excuse for her delay"
 Perhaps Henry has decided to ac- company her; Inc wanted to, know, but she did not encourage the notion. But here she comes at last" and they all turned to greet the young lady who hurried towards them, her hands full of odds and ends, gathered up in haste at the last moment.
 We began to fear" said the ma- tron of the party. that you had de- serted us at the last.''
 NO, indeed" replied Priscilla, sfbut it's long story, and I'll tell you at some other time. I am sorry that l kept you waiting. I've my hands full safe aboard Oh, there they go now! and I wouldn't lose them for any thingi''
 A general laugh greeted her ex- clamations, but the friendly hand of a stranger restored the flowers to her. for which she bestowed on him a thankful glance and smile.
 Until then, her face had been turned from Valentine, for he was the help ful stranger, but now he saw her plc1lnlt, dIu IClC d IHT11l OI SXcltciuSul as he realized that the original of the treasured photograph was before him and about to share his voyage. Soon they were all safely established, and lile last adieu had been waved to the friends they were leaving at home.
 Valentine felt that his fortunate star was in the ascendant as he realized that Priscilla was with the Carlyles. who were well known acauaintances of his, and he lost no time in making himself known to them, and was in turn presented to Priscilla, whom he found as charming as her looks inn piled. They were all good sailors, and spent most of their time on deck, where Valentine was cordially wei co-ned whenever he joined them.
 One day the talk turned upon their experiences on Valentines day, and many funny episodes were narrated.
 Priscilla explained that the cher ished basket of violets came to her on that day, and from whom she did not know. From Henry, probably" said she, though he never sent me vio- lets before; I didn't suppose he knew
 "By the way, MT. Herslzen," inter rupted Mrs. Carlyle, your name is Valentine. is it notY"
 "Yes; it has been a name in our family for several generations, and does not seem so odd to me as it must to others. but 1t leads to strange mis- takes at times"
 Here something served to separate the group, and Valentine was left alone with Priscilla She had been thinking rapidly during the talk about his name, and took this opportunity to inform herself, for she felt sure there was a blunder somewhere. He Ina told her of his sister Rose, and now she thought she understood the quizzi- cal twinkle in his eyes while she told the story of her valentine.
 INT. Herskel.'' she began, 'did you send that basket of violets to your sis ter? How did they come to mel"
 How they came to you, l do not know" was the reply, T am very glad to have it so."
 But I have been saying repeatedly that they were my valentine" and the sweet face was covered with blushes at the remembrance.
 Let it be so, dearest if you will now and always your Valentine" and as her eyes met his compelling gaze he read in them shy but loving re- sponse.
 AN IDLER.