Norwich bulletin. [volume] (Norwich, Conn.) 1895-2011, 1916-02-29
HIS NOTABLE VALENTINES

you must be sure not to have any
tiresome business for the 14th, Ned"
the pretty Miss Ravens spoke gravely
II am counting upon you to make my
party a success"
I'll do my very best" replied Field
ing, "but you know, Dolly, socially I'm
not bright and shining light"
You're entirely satisfying to the
eye in your evening clothes, and you
have the knack Of making everybody
feel that it Is their party. This time
we shan't have to entertain; each
valentine and they will be fun
enough
you know I couldn't write a poem
If my life depended on it."
know you say you can't
';Now. Dolly. please don't insist! l
can make money, and I'm learning to
make love, but I can't make verses"
you might try, just to please me, If
you think as much of me as you say
you dol" Dolly pouted.
'FWell, I can't rhyme and you won't
reason, so I guess I'd better stay
Ned Fielding The party depends
on you!"
''Since you are so determined, will
you make a bargain? If 1 send you
one or more original valentines will
you marry me at Eastern"
Perhaps"
yes or nor"
ooh. if you insist on 1t, yes
The first ring of the postman came
rather tardily on St. Valentines day,
for his usual pack was augmented by
a heavy sack of the sweet nothings"
that are peculiar to this occasion.
Dolly opened the door herself and
impatiently ran through the heap of
embossed envelopes and picture post
cards till she came to large box ad-
dressed in Fielding's script. The
family gathered about her as she
tore off the wrappings and disclosed a
monstrosity of ce1luloid and ribbon.
She dropped it with a gesture of dis
gust and out fell a document of a
legal aspect. Dolly's little brother
seized it and ran, reading it aloud as
he went-a marriage license.
Dolly crimsoned.. IF that's his idea
of orieinality-' she exclaimed.
In the middle of the forenoon a I'M
formed messenger rang and Dolly
was called to sign for a package. This
time she retired to her own room and
opened in private the tiny jeweler's
box on the velvet of which reposed a
heavy gold ring. Despite some vexa-
ton her heart beat faster as she
checked the impulse to slip it on her
finger. That's for Ned to do" she
thought.
Later in the day there came a spec
iaI delivery letter from a famous
travel and turist agency, inclosing an
itinerary for a six weeks tour and
asking her approval or suggestions
"as requested by Mr.. Edward Field
ing"
Dolly sat down at her desk in the
afternoon to dash off a few more jim
giles, but the only rhymes she could
think of were for Ned" and ring
She welcomed the interruption when
the maid brought fat maManila en-
velope. THE young man says you are
to sign this receipt, Miss Dolly"
She opened the envelope gingerly
and found it to contain a deed grant
ing to (Miss) Dorothea Ravens, he1
heirs and assigns, lots one and two
section eight, township and so forth
1.-THE extravagant boy!" she cried. HE
has gone and bought that lot we look
ed at in the fall"
on the deed when she was called to
the telephone. A pleasant voice ex-
planned: This is Bently of Bently
Robertson & Co, architects. Mr.
Fielding asked us to inquire when
you could make an appointment to
discuss plans for a bungalow on your
suburban lot"
She could scarcely find voice to re-
ply, Thank you, Mr.. Bently 1 can
come at any time that shall suit Mr.
Fielding's convenience"
AS the evening guests came by twos
and threes Dolly's expectation grew to
Impotence. Why was Ned so late?
She would not be able to berate him
before everybody, nor, if she weak
ened, own up to her genuine senti-
ments.
The valentine box was bursting with