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. "We understand what
the meaning is; enough for once--enough for once. Thou shalt not
be frightened or hurried. Loving, true, and faithful Valentines
are ye, and the rest as Heaven and opportunity shall permit. Come,
prithee, have done: wring not thy tiny hands, nor fear farther