10 THE ACORN got her wraps together and then back to her Valentine, who was waiting for her in the doorway. Gathering her up in his strong arms, he said, "I've waited long enough, haven't you little sister?" By this time they had reached' the trustee's carriage, in which they were to go home. "I can't think what mamma will do when she sees you," said Stella. "It was only last night that she cried and said it was strange that you had never written. She watched the papers day by day, but you were never named in the lists of the dead or wounded. I would not have believed you tonight, had you not looked so much like the picture mama has of you. Mr. Adams, Ray was ill for a whole year, after the war, and because of our moving before his recovery, we did not get his letters. When he came back to what he thought was home, we were not there, and he has just found us." They were in front of the cottage, where the little mother sat awaiting Stella's return. She was always afraid that something might happen to her child. Stella had been warned by Mr. Adams not to break the news too suddenly, and for fear that she might, had asked him to do it. Mrs. Phillips, however, had heard the noise of the wheels, and came to the door with a light. By quick forethought, Ray slid down among the buggy robes. Mr. Adams wished her a pleasant night and talked of several things, finely leading up to the subject most near her heart, "her boy." Do you not think he could have missed your letters in some way and not being able to find you has gone off in search of you in some other place?" "I have thought of that," replied Mrs. Phillips "and have some times felt hopeful, but it has been so long since he went, you know. 'Twould not be so bad if I only knew whether he were dead or alive. O, it is a hard trial, Mr. Adams, a hard trial! But, I thank you very much, as Stella climbed from the buggy, for bringing my girl" "Well," said Mr. Adams, "I think you may have much more to be thankful for, because I have" Before he could say more, Ray jumped out and threw his arms around his mother. A low cry was heard and Mr. Adams, thinking he had done his part and was needed no longer, drove away, saying, "I wonder if any other has received such a welcome and blessed Valentine." Eehel Guild, '08 THE ACORN 11 Valentine Box Once a year, all the students, as well as teachers, have the privilege of expressing their sentiments of love. This period has come around again, and we have the pleasure of publishing a few from our most notable members. Oh Bryant, dear Bryant, King of my heart, Though thy sweet smile divine Answers never to mine, Still, sweetheart, I call thee My Valentine. M. R. To My Beau: Toward thee my dearest wishes turn; For thee my heart doth fondly yearn; Till mein Deutsch ick kann sprechen wohl, Thou shall remain my all in alle. Ah! could I know thy love were mine, My soul would thrill with bliss divine. -Elinor. Pearl, my dear, you are the jewel of my heart, From you I hope that I will never part; But still my love is mixed with sighs Must I forever wear black eyes? G. B.