The West Virginian. [volume] (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1914-1974, 1922-02-13
FFiE d NE
sHi0R STORY.
Pink valentines.
By eLARlssA MAcKIE
yVjHEN Philip Barton went into
NV uaFtnAFEiiib with old Mr..

soma OF hlB small Inheritance In @
fwell established business was at.
tFaetiTe. Another thing. he was
learning 40 meet and mingle with
people avery day and TO lose some
!ot the loneliness that oppressed
itm WHOM he closed the door Of his
: empty house. And there was his
ipainftilI shyless, that too, was In a
measure forgotten.
You've got to have a tongue in
your head lad, II you're going to
keep customers" reminded Basil
Crowther after Philip had had an
embarrassing encounter with a
talkatiye woman.
II cant seem 10 think OF any.
shirgs 70 say until after they go out
pleaded Philip.
Heae,n ehuekled old Bush, "the
women certainly do talk a man
down; but remember this. lad, II n
man can Just get n good streps
word In edgewise and then follow
itlup and keap on talking a woman
Awll listen like anything. Try it,"
Very we'll" said patient Philip
as he put away their entire assert.
ment Of note paper and envelopes.
NH have to take your word for
u MF. GroRther, because l don't
know much about some OF them. :"
Yolll2be wiser before very long
Philip Now that have an upand.
coming young man hero. I've motto.
edSthat trade is picking up wonder.
fully. Some OF these young school
llarms used to go way over TO
peckeryille for school supplies.
counted five OF 'em in here yester.
dayall at one time!"
u s your new line Of postcard;
and the sheet music, and other
things, stammered Philip. his
gipd looking face reddening as the
door opened to admit two moro OF
the feminine Sex.
q Good evening, Philip" said
stout Mrs. Graham. I'VE Just stop.
ped in to wish you good luck In
Your new business, didn't we,
Rosags
Yes, indeed" murmured dark.
eyed Rosa es she flashed smile
that made Phillp's-heart jump Wild
THANK you; It is very kind Of
you both-er-I hope you will come
in often.p
we shall be steady customers
after this; but we must hurry-we
are going to the sociable and sup
per at tho church fought. Com.
mot tonight; it is my turn to
keep the store open"
.Haye You any valentlnes?n
asked Rosa, looking around the
little store. - y . - IL Il = !.
..yalentines1" Philips voice
penetrated to the rear where Basil
was bent over his bookkeeping.
whole box OF them. Come and
open them, they Just arrived today
and ! expect whole lot OF them
viii find their way into your letter
box, Rosa Graham teased the old
man as he brought out a large box
and proceeded to unite the cords
that bound it.
How you do love to torment
me, Mr. Crowther," pouted Rosa.
tAhW she sighed as he began to
open some smaller boxes contained
IN the shipping case. II am afraid
will never get one as lovely as
thislh She looked wlsttuliy at the
box containing a largo pink lace
paper heart around which rosy
SupidR danced with garlands OF
pale blue forget me nots.
ssee, here Rosy" and old Mr..
Growthar eyes bllnked behind his
large spectacles, 4 will make a
promise. II no one comes in and
buys that valentine, or II 1t is sold
and you do not receive it, will
send you one Just like III"
.Thank you, Mr.. Crowther; you
are q dear" and Rosa went away
with her mother. laughing at the
old stationer's kindly joke
II that one Is sold let mo know,
Philip smiled Mr.. Crowther. He
vent back TO his little corner and
as he turned the pages Of his led,-
ger he was still smiling at the rapt,
intent look OF young Philip who
was staring dreamily at the pink
valentine.
The door opened to admit Roger
Darnells, popular youth among
the Girls. He had q bold manner
And 4 cool insolence that was
amusing and at the same time very
Unpleasant,
valentines? Hey: Some assert.
naent. Say, Phllly, Just wrap me
up three or four OF those pink ones
like the one In your hand!"
Through some mistake there is
only one like this, said Philip
cody.
Give me that one-and an en-.
yelope then II Just. send It along
70 little Rosy Posy Brown Eyes.
Hurry, kid ! am on my way 10 the
sociable. !"
Philip hesItated a second, then
he said. grimly. You're too late,
fSeSfr this ones sold already.
x stssone, aud this. and this"
Roger grumblingly selected hal.
adoken for as many expec' ant girls
and dRshed out. His departure
d was followed By n strong Explosion
~ high laughter from tho corner.
Philip hurried around there.
anything the matter, sir?" he
wanted to know.
I3asif@, GroWther removed his
spectacles and wiped his eyes. Il
80 ink Laughing, nrnr l,r,rnnn "a