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398 valentine's eve in Norwich,
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.
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Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.
Additionally, when viewing full transcripts, extracted text may not be in the same order as the original document.
- V "The Stranger Who Visits Norwich, Do...
maintenance . Providence had blessed Ms efforts : a young gentleman had assisted him both with instructions and materials ; and
had put together the sides and lid of the carved box , for which John had not the necessary tools .
"¦ That ' s what sticks , mother ; if I had but the tools , I'd be a nian yetand support you . "
" It would , be a fine amusement for you . " "Amusement ! it would be support for us both ; that ' s what I ' m
looking to . " Tender mothershe had toiled for him "with such devotion that it
_gave her no pleasure , to think of his working for her instead . " Why , mother , if there isn't another knock . "
" Well , I never ! John Johmon . Good morrow , Valentine ! It ain't any more of your boxesJohnis it ?"
"No , upon my word ; , I don , 't know nothing as to this one . " Oh joy ! a box of tools for wood cutting . * ' That can only come from
young Mr . Bull , the gentleman I was telling you about that understands wood-carving . Now , that is handsomely done , isn't it ?
Won ' t I work now : you shall know what it is to rest yet , mother . " " Dear heart ! " exclaimed the widow"if there isn't that door
again . That ' s a runaway , I'd lay my life , , it sounds like it . " Yes , it was a runaway , for in the distance a very clerical-looking
individual was making off at all speed , but not till he had deposited another mysterious parcel on the door step . A warm double knitted
woollen shawl ! Such soft grey shades ! such an elegant pattern ! " Well , you do look the lady , and no mistake !'' exclaimed the
delighted son . " What do you suppose that cost now ?" " Cost , John ! why it ' s made by hand . Setting aside the cost
of the wool , there ' s many a day ' s work in this—And the warmth ! It ' s like a blanket , only so light ; just you feel of it . I do think it
must be a mistake . " But no , there it was written quite _legibly—^ The Widow Johnson . Good morrowValentine . " Who could
it be ? , "I shouldn't wonder if it was our landlord ! " said John ; and
both had a hearty laugh , for their landlord was a noted screw . It was very pleasant to survey the four charming presents and to try
to fathom the mystery of the last , but it was beyond them , quite . It is nothoweverbeyond us . Weyou knoware in St . Valentine ' s
secretso , we will , follow the clerical , , some distance till he draws , from his pocket a latch-key and runaway enters his own house . In
_Jhe snug little parlor sits a lady on a low chair by the fire , work-Ing whilst she rocks with her foot a cradle which stands in the
corner . " WelldearI deposited it safety on the step and I heard the
widow open , the , door before I had got very far , so I concluded it was all right . "
\ The wife looked into the bright fire with a pleasant dreamy look ,
one she had worn many an hour as her knitting-needles went click ,
398 Valentine's Eve In Norwich,
398 valentine ' s eve in Norwich ,
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Citation
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English Woman’s Journal (1858-1864), Feb. 1, 1862, page 398, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ewj/issues/ewj_01021862/page/38/
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