Farnsworth looked at it carelessly. “All right,” he said, “if that’s the only one available, I’ll have to take that one. It’s all right, isn’t it?”
“Yes, it’s a beauty! It cost a dollar,—but it’s good work.”
“Cheap at the price!” laughed Farnsworth, taking out his pocketbook. “I don’t care such a lot for the sentiment, however. The first part is all right, but that second stanza is ridiculous!”
“How, ridiculous? I think it’s lovely! You don’t think she’ll send it back, do you?”
“I do not! Our vows cannot be riven,—as your poet hath it. But I could have made up a better jingle myself! That’s what I ought to have done! Made a real valentine for my sweetheart! Oh, I wish I weren’t so over-worked! Well, some day I’ll make up to her for this enforced neglect. Now, be off, Lena, if you don’t, I’ll pitch you out,—neck and crop!”
“Oh, all right, Captain; but I was going to say if you’d address your valentine, I’d post it along with mine. There’s none too much time, you know.”
“Thank you, Lena, you’re a good little thing. And I’m a bear,—a cross one, sometimes, I fear. Will you forgive me, and take my valentine with yours?”
“’Course I will. Write the directions.”
So Farnsworth dashed off Patty’s name and address on the big envelope, and Lena ran away with it.
So, you see!