The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-02-12


 With his prize safely tucked away In his pocket, Hugh then proceeded in hurried manner to select one he thought most appropriate for his teacher. But. alas, how different was his idea of valentine now, and how less costly and dainty than the other. One would rather think that there was a spirit of vengeance present with Hugh now as he ran through the bundles of valentines a penny apiece" The teacher would feel hurt of course, when she received 1t, but what of that? Hughs marks at school didn't suit him in the least, and, to be sure, 1t was the teacher 8 fault, and an opportunity like the present was not to be overlooked.
 Very Gay
 Hugh whistled merrily all the way home, and climbing the stairs to his room and closing the door behind him, he betook Himself to preparing the missives for the mail. Reading again and smiling over the one to Ada, he addressed an envelope with much care, and then more hastily addressed one for dear" teacher.
 Hughs mother was calling to him now-he was to go on an errand at once. But not before he placed the valentines safely in the respective envelopes did he intend to move. Oh, no. However, these transactions were performed in much haste, too much haste, in fact, when one con siders the great pains he spent on them thus far.
 On the way of his errand the en- velopes were safely deposited in the mail box.
 And now, unused Hugh, that Is done, and they will soon be on their way. Yes. they were on their way indeed, but the pathways they would tread in the mailman's pouch would be, oh so different from what Hugh in- tended.
 And Tuesday evening, the four teenth, came at last.
 Fixing Up
 Seven thirty, D. m. found Hugh standing before the mirror adjusting his cravat, arranging his hair, and performing other little odd jobs upon his person. It wouldn't require a Sherlock Holms to find out where Hugh was headed for In his fancy he could see Ada reclining In an easy chair in the bright firelight, reading and rereading the beautiful lines he had chosen for her. and Oh, thought he. If only I had written them myself" Now in his fancy he was Wdihlue up lH6 steps lO land-and now Ada was rushing towards him with outstretched arms, exelaiming Hugh, you dear boy!"
 Dreams can be so pleasant some times. and truly this one was. But Hugh suddenly collected himself, and placing his hat with all care possible upon his head, and turning down the light, he was soon In the street and on his way. He was very tmpatient-the car was long In com ing, and once in it, 1t moved on so slowly to his destination. But tho Journey was finally over, and with gay step and a forced whistle, Hugh was walking towards fairyland with nasty step.
 Hello" thought Hugh, coming to an abrupt pause, what can be the matterT' No light in tho house {? Doesnt Ada expect me, 1 wonder? However this meant but little to Hugh now, with his dream flower in possession of the outbursts of his heart in valentine form. and thus the enchantment of fairyland beck oned him on.
 Hugh pressed the bell but lightly at first, then after some moments of waiting, moments of intense anxiety he pressed 1t firmer and longer. but With no more encouragement from the inside.
 At the first tap of the bell Ada sprung from the bed where she law and was. standing on the darkened stairway. There she stood, as the oell changed again, doubting, won derlng, wondering, resting her hand on the staircase. The form of Hugh was clearly silhouetted against the glass door longed quiet the bell rang again. this time longer than before. Ada walked slowly part the way down, and then paused again. Once more the bell sounded. Hugh had about given up now. Slowly Ada descended further. and finally reaching the bottom, turned up the lights, and slowly and gently opened the door.
 : Happy Now
 We can only imagine Hugh's joy. He burst into the room with a sigh of relief and much agitation, and smiling as only one who has expe- rienced such joy could smile. He hurriedly extended his hand with a bigl"Hello, Ada; I thought you must be out" But with her hand still holding to the door knob, Ada ig- nored the outstretched hand, and stood staring at Hugh with a look half of sadness and half disappoint- ment If those eyes could have spoken, what they might have said! Hugh seemed bewildered, lost. why, Ada, what's the matter?" finally broke in Hugh. "You don't know what the matter is, Hugh?" she asked coolly and slowly, never once withdrawing her glance. Why, no, Ada, l don't know" came back the a n half in faor 1Tolf iv .a~~oxrr have I done anything to offend you?" "Oughn't I to be offended at this Hugh" asked Ada. handing to him the misdlrected valentine. Hugh all but tore the paper from Ada's hand, in anxiety. and staring at 1t in wonderment and excitement, ex- claimed: Did I send you this? Oh, Ada, I see now, I have made a mis- take, havc made big mistake. I meant this for someone else, and must have gotten the envelopes mixed. Oh. Ada. after all my pains and care in selecting a valentine for You. I've made a mistake and sent you the wrong one"
 For Tencher
 well. who was this one meant for. then?" queried Ada. This one was meant for my teacher" answered Hugh, "and l must have sent yours to her instead" For your teacher. Hugh?' said Ada. in voice of sur prise and somewhat on contempt. A slow "yes" was all Hugh could find to answer to this. There was brief silence, in which they looked stead fastly at each other. Ada broke the stiffness. Your teacher your teacher, Hugh? Do you not think it ungentlemanly and discour- teous, Hugh, to send such a thing as this to your teacher?" Hugh made no answer. but his eyes drifted, slow ly away to the floor. his hat hanging nervously in his fingers. Don't you think. Hugh, that your teacher would be hurt terribly hurt. at receiving