Norwich bulletin., 1914-02-14
yALERIE'S VALENTINE

near at hand. but often they all form ed one group, and spent the time in conversation. One day, as they sat to- gether, Mrs. Sherman expressed her curiosity as to the name of their new friend, and he was led to talk of himself more freely then he was wont. My father was a sea-captain," said hes and he came of long line of those that followed the sea. In fact there is a strain of old Norwegian blood in me from both sides of the house. My mother often accompanied her husband on his voyages, and on one of them I was born on mid-ocean. Therefore l claim no nationality, and perhaps to that circumstance 1 owe my fondneSS of the sea. and my rov- ing disposition. My birthday was the fourteenth of February, and because of that my mother always called me her valentine, and the name became my own. shortened into Val, as I grew older. It is the name of an old saint, however, who lived and suffered martyrdom under one of the Roman emperors. It is claimed, you know, that birds choose their mates on that day, and many sweetheart Is ob-- tained on that day in modern times. I think I'll make my choice on that day, if luck favors me-" he finished laugh ingly
 As he ceased speaking there came a crash and jar that shook the huge alt IIOIIl stem lO stern. anu SldTlcu all to their feet in fright. A panic ensued which was not easily subdued. The officers after careful investigation assured all that no damage had been sustained, although they admitted that the steamship had come closer to an iceberg than was exactly comfortable MT Sherman and Valentine secured life-preservers, however, for their l party as a precaution in case of need. and helped to quiet the fears of others by their own coolness. The steerage passengers rushed on deck in | alright, and crowded to the edge of the steamer, the result being that one young woman was pushed overheard, and fell into the icy waters. The dense fog made it more difficult to To- | cate the drowning girl, but Valentine ! rushed to the rescue, and was in the waves almost as soon as the victim of | the accident. Instinct rather than sight aided him in reaching the girl, | and with his burden he was drawn aboard by ready helpers A mere nothing he claimed it to be, but retired l to exchange his clothing after his icy | bath, having restored the unconscious girl to her friends who did a like ser | vice for her.
 A rousing cheer greeted Valentine | rom all sides on his return to the deck. but most he prized the look he ! caught in Valerie's eyes as she gazed 1 up into his face. As they paced the deck together in the days that follow l ed, leaving fog behind them, and find | ing sunshine once more, Valentine felt sure that the fourteenth. of Feb ruary was a long way in the future. and his patience was sorely tried by the delay. Their port was made without further incident, and as both were headed for the West their l journey was continued together. till he left the Shermans at their home 1 city. and continued his way westward with a cordial invitation to visit them 1 at his earliest convenience.
 Mentally he resolved that it should not be long before he availed himself of the offer
 Circumstances prevented him from | keeping his promise till several months had rolled by, and February had come. Then he appeared at the home of his sweetheart with mingled fear and joy. A cordial welcome awaited him from all the family. but all counted for nothing unless Vale rie's favor could be won. The four teenth came at last, and he determin- ] ed to put his fate to the test on that l day. Valerie was won much to his delight and demurely announced he1 valentine to the household. the love- light in her hazel eyes making them i brighter than ever. -Four last val
 entine, I suppose you mean" As they
 rejoiced over the happy pair, flor
 noticed" commented her father. thai
 the ones received earlier in the day
 had but little attention. You were
 waiting for this" Well, isn't it wortF
 waiting for?" was Valerie's smiIing
 response.
 AN IDLER.