The West Virginian. [volume] (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1914-1974, 1922-02-14
THE DAILY
SHORT STORY
Valentine Victorious
BY RUBY DOUGLAS.

ssT'vE been reading mob psychol.
ogy," began Peggy, with her
wisest expression, "and I've
Just decided that will not follow
the impulses OF tho crowd any long.
er. 1hate to be just a sheep!"
Tom Walker looked at her pa.
tiently. $50 you're In one OF those
high'brow moods, are you, this
morning, Peggy"
mot at all, Tom Walker" retort.
ed Peggy. her firm little chin in
the air. "And, besides, do you know
what some one says highbrow
Tom pleaded ignorance.
"a man educated beyond his in.
telligence. And do you mean to
say that am that?"
Tom shook his head. "oh, no
dear me, no, Peggy. Your Jntelli.
.gence surpasses anything possible
in the way Of education"
Peggy smiled and WIS somewhat
Modified.
a "But your remark must have been
apropos OF some thought, Peggy.
What was ia"
"oh = engagement rings and
Christmas presents and perfunctOry
kisses and all the things every one
tsfaddicted to. ] hate to do things
that every one else is doing. Do
. you, observe that am exposing my
ears shamefulIy? Well, that isn't
being done, is it,"
Tom looked at the pink ear and
was glad 1t was not covered. "Still,
think you have not told me the
concrete thought that prompted
Your remark. You arc still beating
about the bush. Out with 1t, Peg.
Il was thinking OF valentines and
of how every one-every lover and
every child and every sentimental
person in the world-will be send.
ing a valentine to some one. And
was hoping no one would send me
one" she added, looking at him
auizzicaIly.
Tom laughed. well. don't worry,
Peggy. shall desist. shall not
send you lace.paper heart with u
love verse within. ] shall not send
Ayou q bunch OF violets with my
Rheart tied TO the box. Don't worry.
You shall mot be of the mob this
time"
Now, way deep in her heart, far
deeper down than had penetrated
this fad for the study OF psychology
Of crowds. Peggy was sentimental
She had always received valentines
: She had looked eagerly for tho post.
man on The morning Of February II.
Now, 1t came to her suddenly, that
though she had rien far above be.
ing SO foolish as to have to receive
token on this st. Valentines day,
railways did seem pleasant to oper
heart.shaped boxes of candy and
pretty lunches Of flowers.
The day dawned crisply and the
postmah did not so much as look
at the mail box at the garden gate.
Peggy did see him coming, and
though she assumed 4 careless, I'M
! different air, she did observe his
/ passing her box without so much
rs look. Every time the bell rang
she thought 1t might be the florist,
though she had risen far above be.
herself. Evening found her little
blue. She had not even had a tele.
phone message from Tom. 1t was
the first Valentines day in her life
on which she had not received
some sort Of gift.
When Tom arrived she admitted
him with her usual cherry smile,
but in her hand she held, open us
3f she had been studying. q volume
OF DR.. Le Bon's psychology.
a aCold - awfully cold, Peggy.
lucky to be sitting by com.
~ fire and not have to 20 out to
some silly party or other tho way
every one else Is tonight" said
Tom as he put down his coat ant
hat.
That was another OF Peggy's In
nermost grievances today. Tom
had asked her to so to the valentine
hop at the club. Every one was
going and the girls had all been
discussing their frocks-and their