Just as I was about to rise, I heard thy chamber door open, and watched thee downstairs, not to protect thee against this sleepy headed Henry, but to see with my own delighted eyes my beloved girl do that which her father most wished.

Come, put down these foolish hands, and though thou blushest a little, it will only the better grace St.
Valentine's morn, when blushes best become a maiden's cheek." As Simon Glover spoke, he pulled away, with gentle violence, the hands which hid his daughter's face.

She blushed deeply indeed, but there was more than maiden's shame in her face, and her eyes were fast filling with tears.
"What! weeping, love ?" continued her father; "nay--nay, this is more than need.

Henry, help me to comfort this little fool." Catharine made an effort to collect herself and to smile, but the smile was of a melancholy and serious cast.
"I only meant to say, father," said the Fair Maid of Perth, with continued exertion, "that in choosing Henry Gow for my Valentine, and rendering to him the rights and greeting of the morning, according to wonted custom, I meant but to show my gratitude to him for his manly and faithful service, and my obedience to you.

But do not lead him to think--and, oh, dearest father, do not yourself entertain an idea--that I meant more than what the promise to be his faithful and affectionate Valentine through the year requires of me." "Ay--ay----ay--ay, we understand it all," said Simon, in the soothing tone which nurses apply to children.