DISCLAIMER:   Catherine Marshall’s beautiful story of “Christy” is owned 
by the LeSourd family.  I am in no way attempting to receive credit for 
or profit from either the characters from the novel or those of the 
television series based upon the novel.  Any additions in story were 
created by the author for the purpose of personal amusement only.
 

“The Greatest of These is Love.”
Author: Susie Brown
-------------------------------

The noise of excited chatter filled the school room as the children of
Cutter Gap filed in and took their places. Their teacher, Christy
Huddleston looked up from her desk and smiled. Her eyes rested on each
student in turn - from the wide eyed, innocent Mountie O’Teale, to the
mischievous Creed Allen, the studious Zady Spencer and the effervescent
Ruby Mae Morrison. Each child had made an impression upon her heart and
it was a rare occurrence for one or other of them not to occupy her late
night and early morning thoughts. How fond she had become of them all! 

Christy smiled to herself. It was hard to believe that it had been just
over twelve months since her arrival in Cutter Gap. Her life in
Asheville seemed very far away and unreal to her now. She had arrived
with such lofty thoughts of bringing education to the children and then,
soon after, improvements to the Cove. It hadn’t taken long for her to
realise however, that the people of Cutter Gap would teach her much more
about life, faith and love than she could ever teach them. She had made
many mistakes in those early days, but slowly she had won the adults’
respect and the children’s love. 

As she stood to begin the day’s lessons, it was the feeling of love that
was uppermost in Christy’s mind. More than anything else, she wished
that the gentle love given so freely to her by the children could be
felt between the many families in the Cove. There were still so many
feuds and disputes, bringing anger, pain and sometimes danger to the
families involved. Christy had seen the effects of these feuds on the
children and it distressed her. She had spent many a sleepless night
trying to think of a way to stop the feuding, even if only for a little
while. And at last, this morning, an idea had come to her. It was a
simple idea, and perhaps too idealistic and naive. Yet she was
determined to try, and as she often did, she was going to turn to the
children to help her.  

“Good morning, everyone!”
“Good morning Miz Christy!”
“I thought that we would begin our lessons this morning by talking about
the special day that will be celebrated on Friday of next week.”
The children looked at one another, puzzled.
“What special day Miz Christy?” asked Sam Houston. “We already had
Thanksgiving and Christmas.”
Christy smiled at him.
“I know that, Sam Houston,” she replied. “I’m talking about Valentine’s
Day.”

Once again the children looked puzzled.
“What day, Ma’am?” asked John Spencer. “I don’t rightly recall no
Valentine’s Day.”
As she looked at the faces of the children in front of her, Christy
quickly realised that they didn’t have the slightest idea what she was
talking about.
“Am I right in thinking that none of you have heard of Valentine’s Day?”
she continued.
“Yes’m” said Ruby Mae. “Reckon that’s about right. But it sure sounds
mighty fine.Will you tell us about it?”
“Yes, tell us Miz Christy!” chorused the others.
“All right,”said Christy. “I’ll try.” She thought for a moment and then
began to speak.

“Valentine’s Day is held on the 14th day of February every year. It is a
day when people show each other that they care about them. Sometimes
they give gifts or write a special message. Other times they just tell
them how important they are.”
“That sounds real nice, Miz Christy,” said Rob Allen, “but why is it
called Valentine’s Day?”
“That’s a very good question, Rob,” said Christy. “There are many
different explanations and no one knows for sure which one is correct. I
will tell you one of the most popular stories.”

“ Some people say that the day is named after a man called St Valentine.
He was a Roman priest who lived long ago in the third century. At that
time, many people, including the Emperor Claudius, worshipped different
Gods. When St Valentine refused to give up his love of the Lord, he was
arrested and thrown into prison.”
“I declare,” interrupted Ruby Mae. “How awful.”
“While he was there,” continued Christy, ”he made friends with the
jailer’s daughter, who was blind. Valentine prayed for her and her sight
was restored. Her father, Austerius, immediately asked to become a
Christian. When the Emperor heard about this, he was furious. He ordered
for Valentine to be taken out and beheaded.”
“You mean they done cut his head clean off?” said Creed Allen. “Just
because he taught that girl and her papa about the Lord?”
“That’s right,”said Christy. “Anyway, legend has it that St Valentine
left a farewell note for the jailer’s daughter who had become his
friend, and signed it ‘From Your Valentine.’” 

“Ohhhh,” breathed Ruby Mae. “What a sad story. And how romantic to leave
a note for his friend!”
“It’s interesting that you think so, Ruby Mae,” said Christy. “St
Valentine died on February 14th and gradually that day became popular
for exchanging messages of friendship and love and for the giving of
simple gifts. Sometimes, the messages are given secretly, so that the
person receiving them doesn’t even know who they come from.”
“You mean that you can get a love message from a secret admirer like?”
asked Zady.
Christy nodded.
“Don’t rightly see the sense in that,” commented Sam Houston.”Reckon I’d
want to know who was thinkin’ all them nice thoughts about me.”
“Well you needn’t be worryin’ Sam Houston,”piped up Creed Allen. “No
one’d be sending you none of them there Valentines.”
Christy could see an argument brewing and stepped in quickly.
“I think the main thing is that it makes a person feel good to know that
someone cares about them, Sam Houston,” she said.

“Miz Christy, have you ever gotten some of them Valentines?” asked
Bessie.
“I reckon she has,”chimed in Ruby Mae. “Who wouldn’t love Miz Christy?”
“Well thank you Ruby Mae,” said Christy, smiling at her,”but whether or
not I have received a Valentine isn’t the point of today’s lesson. I
would like us to do something special to celebrate Valentine’s Day.”
“What’s that?” asked the children.
“I’d like for us to remind each other how special we all are. I’m
suggesting that we have a secret Valentine’s Day  ballot. I would put
everyone’s name into a hat and each of you would draw one out. The name
of the person would be your secret Valentine. We are going to make some
Valentine’s Day messages and you would be responsible for making one for
your person. You can sign your name  or leave it a secret. The choice is
up to you.”

Creed Allen looked sceptical. “Miz Christy?”
“Yes, Creed.”
“Does that mean that if’n I pick out a girl’s name that I have to write
a bunch of mushy stuff to her? I don’t reckon that’d sit easy with me,
is all.” He blushed  uncomfortably.
Christy laughed, in spite of herself.
“No Creed, of course you don’t have to write mushy stuff. You don’t have
to write anything at all. You could draw a picture instead if you like.
The important thing is that everyone would be giving and receiving a
message of friendship.” She turned to the rest of the class. “What do
you all think?” The smiles and nods she immediately received were all
the answer she needed.

The ballot was conducted that very afternoon. Sam Houston solemnly
presented his hat to Christy, so that she could draw the names out of
it. One by one the children came up and picked a name. The older ones
took theirs  back to their desks to read in secret, while some of the
younger ones stayed close to Christy, so that she could quietly help
them read the name they had picked out.

As the children left the classroom that afternoon, Christy listened to
their conversations. Each child was already planning their Valentine and
deciding exactly what they would write or draw. It was amazing to see
the effect this simple idea had already had upon the children. Just the
thought of receiving a message of friendship had excited and pleased
them. They looked happier, walked with their heads high and smiled at
each other frequently. Christy sighed. She hoped that the second part of
her plan would work as well as the first.

Alone in the classroom, she allowed herself to think of her own
experiences with Valentine’s Day. Back in Asheville, she had received
Valentines every year from besotted young men in the town. Pretty and
intelligent, she had never been short of admirers. But what of
Valentine’s Day in Cutter Gap? Christy thought of the two men who both
held a place in her heart. Had things worked out differently between
herself and David, she knew that he would have showered her with
romantic messages. But ever since she had turned down his proposal,
their contact had been somewhat strained. In time, she hoped they would
return to being close friends, but Valentine’s Day in 1913 was not
likely to be a comfortable day for them. And Neil MacNeill. He was still
as much of a mystery as ever. She had hardly spoken to him since he rode
away from the school house that day. She knew from local gossip that
Margaret had already left by the time he had returned to his cabin, but
would she ever return? Would Christy ever find out what was in Neil’s
heart? Would she ever admit to herself what was in her own? If she was
honest, she knew that she would love to receive a Valentine from the
Doctor, but she dare not allow herself to think that way. It was all too
confusing. She thought again of the story she had told the children
earlier that day.
“Ah well,” she muttered, “at least my life isn’t as tragic as poor old
St Valentine.” With a rueful smile, she collected her belongings and
headed home towards the Mission.

Over the next few days, the children spent part of each afternoon
working on their Valentine’s messages. Christy marvelled at their
enthusiasm and the care they were taking. She had provided them with
paper, but had left all other decisions to them. As the days passed, she
watched as the older children helped the younger ones design a card; as
others worked for hours on a drawing; as Rob Allen scribbled away on a
piece of poetry. By Tuesday afternoon, three days before Valentine’s
Day, the messages were all complete.

“I am so proud of you all,” said Christy, as she collected up the
finished Valentines. “You have all done a beautiful job and I know that
Friday will be a very special morning when you each get to open your own
special Valentine’s Day message. I am just wondering how you have felt
while you have been making these.”
Everyone thought for a moment.
“Well,” began Becky O’Teale, “I feel kinda warm inside, Miz Christy.
Cain’t rightly explain it, but it feels nice that someone is makin’
something just fer me. I liked makin’ something fer someone else too. I
want to know if they’ll like what I’ve made and whether it’ll make ‘em
smile and feel warm inside.”
Christy smiled at Becky.
“Becky, you have explained yourself beautifully,” she said. “It is very
important to care about other people and to know that they care about
you too. I just wonder if we could spread these feelings around the Cove
somehow.”
“What do you mean, Miz Christy?” asked Zady.
Christy took a deep breath. It was time to suggest the second part of
her plan.

“Well,” she began, “what if we did a similar thing for all the adults in
Cutter Gap?”
“You mean, pick a grown up and make somethin’ nice fer them too?” asked
Zack Holt.
“Yes Zack, that’s just what I mean,” said Christy. “Think of how special
you have all felt this week. Now just imagine if all the people in
Cutter Gap could feel just as special as you do. The only thing is that
you would only have a couple of days to organise your gift or message.”
The children looked at each other. Finally Ruby Mae spoke.
“Well I think it’s a fine idea, Miz Christy,” she said.
“So do I,” said Bessie Coburn.
“Reckon I could make another one of them messages,” agreed Sam Houston.

One by one, the children all nodded their agreement. Pretty soon, a list
was made of all the adults in Cutter Gap and, as they had done a few
days before, a ballot was carried out. The only difference was that this
time the children would work in pairs. It was agreed that each pair
would deliver their Valentine’s Day message before arriving at school on
Friday morning. As Christy dismissed the children that afternoon, she
felt both hopeful and nervous. The innocent love of children could melt
the hardest heart it was true, but could it help in mending broken
friendships and family disputes? Would she be seen as interfering in
matters that were none of her concern?
“Well,” thought Christy to herself,”there’s nothing I can do about it
now.”

Unbeknownst to Christy, a meeting was taking place at that very moment,
not very far from the school house.
“All right, listen everyone,” began Ruby Mae. “I reckon we should make
Valentine’s Day a real special day fer Miz Christy. She’s been so kind
to all of us and now she’s helpin’ us make everyone in the Cove feel
real happy . I just know that she got lots of them Valentines before she
came here to Cutter Gap, so I think we should  bring her one on Friday,
to show her that we all think she’s a mighty fine teacher.”
An animated discussion then followed as to what they each could give.
After many suggestions, Zady finally came up with the perfect idea and
Rob Allen volunteered to write a poem to accompany the gift. The
children were excited with their plan and grinned at one another.
“Reckon I know what you mean about feelin’ all warm inside, Becky,” said
Creed Allen. “Don’t reckon even a fire could feel as warm as my insides
right now!”

Supper at the Mission was late that evening. Miss Alice had returned
from a trip to Cataleechie and her trip home had taken longer than she
had expected. Fairlight had come to cook the evening meal. As tolerant
as everyone was of Ruby Mae’s efforts, it was a relief to all concerned
that Possum Surprise would not be on the menu that night.
“I declare, Mrs Spencer, that was the finest meal I have eaten in days,”
said Miss Alice, as Fairlight cleaned away the dishes. Noticing Ruby Mae
squirming in her seat and smiling to herself, Alice turned to her. 
”Well Ruby Mae, thee seem even more excited than usual this evening.
What has thee been discussing in school this past week?”
Christy caught her breath. This was a question she hadn’t been
expecting. She willed Ruby Mae not to say anything. Somehow, she didn’t
see Miss Alice approving of her plan.

“Oh Miz Alice,” it has been right interestin’ “ enthused Ruby Mae. “I
never had heared that story about St Valentine afore. It was so romantic
and it has been real enjoyable makin’ our Valentine’s messages.  I
cain’t hardly wait until Friday, cos then we’ll all know who has made us
a special Valentine. I am just dyin’ to know if Rob Allen has made one
fer me and......”
Her voice trailed off as she saw the look on everyone’s faces. Fairlight
looked confused, Christy embarrassed, David amused and Miss Alice
annoyed.
“Am I right in assuming,” began Miss Alice in a dangerously quiet voice,
“that thee has been discussing St Valentine’s Day in school?”
“Yes’m” said Ruby Mae, nervously.
“I see. Will thee all excuse me please. I am feeling rather tired after
my trip. Miss Huddleston,” she added, as she rose from the table, “I
would like an opportunity with thee after supper is over.”  
“I declare,” whispered Ruby Mae when Alice had gone, “what did I say,
Miz Christy? I think it’s such a fine idea.”
“Don’t worry, Ruby Mae,” answered Christy. “I expect Miss Alice is just
tired. Why don’t you help Fairlight with the dishes?”

Fairlight and Ruby Mae disappeared into the kitchen and Christy glanced
at David as she prepared to follow Miss Alice.
“Well well,” he said. “So you’ve been teaching about love, have you
Christy? “Perhaps you could teach me what I should have done to win
yours?”
Christy looked at him, her eyes filling with tears.
“Oh David,” she said. “You know how dear you are to me. You are like a
brother to me, but I just couldn’t marry you, it’s as simple as that.
And as for my teaching about love, you are quite wrong. I was reminding
the children of how important it is for each of us to know that someone
cares about us. I used Valentine’s Day as an example, that’s
all.Throughout the week, I have watched all the children come together
in their joy of preparing a gift for someone else. They told me today
how happy they felt and how they wished everyone could feel like that.
And I wish they could too. I wish I could make you and Alice and Ne...
and myself feel happy again. But it seems that everything I do is
wrong.”
David started to speak, but Christy swept past him. “Don’t presume that
you know what’s in my heart, David Grantland,” she said, coldly. “I can
assure you that you don’t.”  She walked out of the room, leaving a
rather ashamed David behind her.

Christy knocked on Miss Alice’s door and, taking another deep breath,
walked in. Since Margaret’s most recent departure, Alice had been
distant and sad. Their final confrontation had weighed heavily on her
mind and she had spent much time alone,   as well as making many trips
to Cataleechie for no apparent reason. It was hardly surprising that
talk of Valentine’s Day would not sit well with her at present, but
Christy was determined to defend herself as best she could.

“Miss Huddleston,” began Miss Alice, “I am confused as to where
Valentine’s Day fits into the school curriculum. Surely thee can find
something more appropriate to teach than indulging in silly romantic
gestures and affectations. I am disappointed in thee.”
“Miss Alice,” began Christy. “I would like to explain...”
“What was thee thinking, Christy?” Miss Alice continued.” Was this just
an exercise to stir up silliness amongst the children? What possible
educational value can lessons like these have?”
For the second time that evening, Christy lost her temper.

“Educational value, Miss Alice? I have been teaching the children about
the importance of caring for each other and for their families and
friends. I used the story of St Valentine to illustrate both his love of
the Lord and his concern for his friends. I have been here in Cutter Gap
a little over twelve months Miss Alice, yet in that time, I have seen
feuds that have devastated families and others that have nearly resulted
in death. I am just trying to put back a bit of care and concern into
people’s minds. To remind them that love is a much more valuable emotion
than anger or hate. I could argue that there is little educational value
in teaching the history of our country to children who will never leave
the sheltered world of Cutter Gap. I could argue that there is little
educational value in teaching Science to people who believe in ancient
superstition or Mathematics to girls who will be expected to do nothing
more than grow up, find a husband and raise a family. But I teach all
these things , Miss Alice, because I care about these children. I want
to see them receive a good education, to know something about the world
they live in and, most importantly, to rate care and concern of their
friends and neighbours as being of the utmost importance.  So no, I
don’t feel that my teaching the children about St Valentine was foolish.
In fact, I think it has the most educational value of all.”

Christy stopped, exhausted. She was shocked and astounded at the passion
of her words. More than anything else, she was amazed that she had lost
her temper with Miss Alice. For a moment, neither woman said anything at
all. At last, Alice spoke.
“I thank thee for thy frankness, Miss Huddleston,” she said softly.”I am
tired. I will bid thee good night.”
Stunned, Christy opened the door and left the cabin.

Once outside, Christy stood for a moment, gulping in the cold night air.
The last few minutes had quite unnerved her. She was about to walk back
down to her room  when a figure stepped out of the shadows. She stifled
a scream, until she realised who it was.

“Neil! What are you doing here?” 
Christy was embarrassed. Surely Neil must have heard her impassioned
speech to Miss Alice. What on earth would he think of her now?
“I was coming to speak to Alice about a patient of mine in Cataleechie,”
replied the Doctor, “but I thought I had better not interrupt.”
Christy blushed.
“You must think me very foolish, Doctor,” she said. 
“On the contrary,” replied Neil.”My hat is off to you once again, Miss
Huddleston. I once accused you of having no original thoughts, of just
parroting the words of others. That cannot be said of you any longer,
Christy. It is obvious you are ready to defend what you believe in.”
“But you don’t agree with me, do you Neil?”
“Well, I doubt that a handful of Valentine’s Day messages will rid the
Cove of its feuding, if that’s what you’re asking.”
“Oh Neil, I know it won’t. But I just wanted people to feel happy for a
while and to realise that others care about them. Maybe if they focused
more on love and less on anger and silly quarrels that happened
generations ago, there wouldn’t be so much unhappiness.Why is it so hard
for human beings to tell each other how they really feel?”
Aghast at what she had just said, Christy stopped abruptly. “Oh Neil,”
she began,”I didn’t mean....” She stopped again , not knowing how to
continue.
Neil smiled sadly at her and softly brushed a strand of hair away from
her eyes.
“If only it were that easy, lass” he said. Christy watched him walk
away, tears falling down her cheeks. Finally, she made her way back to
her room.  

The next two days were sombre ones at the Mission. Everyone was
preoccupied with their own thoughts and quickly excused themselves from
the table after every meal. Christy couldn’t believe how badly
everything had turned out. She had wanted so much to make everyone
happier, but now things were worse than ever. Her one consolation was
the happiness of the children. Their excitement as Valentine’s Day drew
nearer was enchanting to watch. Forgotten were the petty squabbles and
usual teasing between one family and another. These had been replaced
with togetherness and friendship, as the children whispered amongst
themselves about Friday’s events. For Christy though,the approach of
Valentine’s Day held no more joy. She couldn’t remember when she had
last felt so miserable.

Friday morning dawned, crisp and clear. The sun had barely peeked over
the mountains before children all over the Cove were tumbling out of
their beds and dressing hurriedly. Before long, they had completed their
chores and raced off to meet their partner, Valentine’s gifts in hand.  

Neil had just finished shaving when there was a knock on his cabin door.
”Can’t a man even finish getting dressed in peace?” he muttered as he
went to answer it. On the doorstep stood Becky O’Teale and Clara
Spencer. 
“Happy Valentine’s Day, Doc!” 
“Well, young ladies, to what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?”
Becky and Clara held out a crudely made basket with a shy smile. 
“We made this fer you, Doc, from the reeds down by the river,” said
Becky,” to say thank you fer lookin’ after us when we’ve been sick.”
” We wanted to let you know that we surely do appreciate it and we think
you’re mighty fine,” added Clara.
“We thought you could use the basket fer yer fishin’ “ said Becky.
Neil smiled and hugged them.
“Thank you girls,” he said. “I can’t remember when I last received such
a beautiful gift.”
He watched them skip off towards the school. “Well, well, Christy,” he
thought, “maybe there is something to be said for feeling good about
yourself and others after all.”  

Around the same time that Becky and Clara arrived at Neil’s cabin, Sam
Houston and Creed Allen knocked on David’s door.
“Mornin’ Preacher!” said Creed, when a bleary eyed David opened the
door. “We’ve come to say Happy Valentine’s Day!”
“Sorry?” said David, still only half awake.
“It’s Valentine’s Day today,” explained Sam Houston.” Miz Christy has
been teachin’ us about how we should thank folks who’ve been good to us
and let ‘em know we care about ‘em. So we’ve brought you this here rock,
preacher. We figured you could use it as a paper weight for when you’re
writin’ all them fancy sermons for church.”
David looked at their grinning faces and grinned back.
“Well thank you very much boys,” he said. “It’s a fine paper weight.”
As the boys raced each other towards the school house, David looked at
his gift. “Oh Christy,” he said. “What a fool I’ve been.”

Dan Scott was surprised to hear knocking on his cabin door. It was very
rare for him to receive visitors. Although most people now accepted his
presence in the Cove, very few people came to call. He was even more
surprised to see Zady and Lulu Spencer smiling at him.
“Happy Valentine’s Day, Mr Scott,” said Zady.
“We brung you this here picture to put on yer cabin wall,” said LuLu,
softly.
“LuLu, it’s beautiful,” said Dan,”but what have I done to deserve such a
fine gift?”
“Well Miz Christy has been teachin’ us ‘bout Valentine’s Day and how you
should tell folks that you like ‘em and all,” explained Zady. “You’ve
been a right kind neighbour to us, Mr Scott. We won’t never forget how
you saved LuLu from all them bees. We wanted to say thank you.”
Dan felt a lump form in his throat. Not until now had he truly felt
accepted by anyone outside of the Mission.
“Thank you both,” he said, “and Happy Valentine’s Day to you too.”
As the two girls disappeared from view, Dan thoughtfully placed LuLu’s
picture on the wall above his bed.

“Who is it?”
 Miss Alice had been praying when the persistent knocking on her door
began. Irritated at receiving no response to her question, she flung
open the door. There stood Ruby Mae and Mountie O’Teale.
“What is it, Mountie? Ruby Mae?”
Ruby Mae nudged Mountie, who was frozen in terror. “Go ahead, Mountie,”
she said kindly. “You can say it.”
Alice knelt down beside Mountie.
“Is there something thee wishes to say to me, child?” she asked. Mountie
nodded.
“Well, go on then. I won’t bite, you know.” Alice winked at Mountie, who
smiled shyly. From behind her back, she brought out a handmade card and
thrust it into Alice’s hands.

Surprised, Alice stood and looked at her gift. It was a picture of a
woman holding the hand of a young girl. A red heart had been drawn
around the two figures and, at the bottom, the words “Miss Alice and me”
had been painstakingly copied. Overwhelmed, Alice gazed down at Mountie.

“Happy Valentine’s Day, Miss Alice,” Mountie whispered and promptly hid
behind Ruby Mae’s skirts. The older girl smiled nervously and continued
the speech.
“Now I know you weren’t real pleased with Miz Christy, Miss Alice, when
I told you we’d been learnin’ about Valentine’s Day and all, but we had
this here plan to tell all the folks in the Cove just how special they
are to us. And I reckon you’ve got to be one of the most special of all,
Miz Alice, really I do. Why, just look at what you do for all the folks
round these here parts. You’re always visitin’ Cataleechie and helpin’
everyone in Cutter Gap and....” Suddenly she stopped, horrified. Miss
Alice was crying!
“Oh Lordy, Miz Alice I didn’t mean fer you to get sad! Really I didn’t.
This here card was s’posed to make you happy.”
Mountie peeked out from behind Ruby Mae’s skirts. Then she ran over and
put her arms around the woman’s waist. Miss Alice looked down at her,
tears streaking her cheeks. With a supreme effort to control her
emotions, she smiled a watery smile at Ruby Mae.
“I am not sad, Ruby Mae. Has thee not heard of people crying with
happiness? Thy gift has indeed made me very happy.”
Immediately, Ruby Mae relaxed. “Oh, that’s all right then!” she grinned.
“Well, we must be goin’ now, Miz Alice. We’ve gotta get ourselves to
school before Miz Christy, so as we can surprise her. Come on Mountie!”  
After they had gone, Alice clasped Mountie’s card to her heart.”Christy
Huddleston,” she said, “Thee are indeed a blessing from God.”

Christy walked towards the school house, willing herself to take every
step. She knew the children would be excited, but she couldn’t raise the
enthusiasm she needed to get through the day. She had avoided everyone
at the Mission that morning, eating her breakfast in the half dawn,
before disappearing for a walk to clear her head before the day began.
As she approached the school house, she could hear excited whispering
coming from inside.
“It can’t be the children yet,” she thought. “It’s still too early.”
She walked up the steps and went inside. The sight that met her eyes
totally overwhelmed her. The children were standing  around her desk ,
shining smiles on their faces. At the front of the group, Ruby Mae held
a collection of papers tied together with a scrap of ribbon. She held
them out to Christy as Rob Allen stepped forward and began to recite.

“We love you so, Miss Christy,
You care for us each day
And teach us all the proper things
That we should do and say.
We couldn’t do without you
And think you’re mighty fine
We hope you like this poem
And our special Valentine.”

Christy could hardly see as she walked towards them. She hugged each of
the children, as she struggled to regain her composure. The papers that
Ruby Mae had handed to her meant more to Christy than any fancy card she
had ever received back in Asheville.
“Thank you Rob,” she said. “It was a beautiful poem. And thank you all. 
But you weren’t meant to give me anything. That wasn’t part of the
plan!”
“It was part of our plan, Miz Christy!” said Ruby Mae. “We wouldn’t have
known nothin’ ‘bout Valentine’s Day if it weren’t fer you.”
“How did everyone like their gifts?”Christy asked the children. 
She was relieved when each pair reported the smiles and sometimes tears
that had followed their simple gifts. Perhaps her idea hadn’t been so
dreadful after all. Right then and there she resolved to make her peace
with Alice and David after the school day was over.

“Well,” she said, “I think it’s about time you each opened your own
Valentine’s messages. “ She went to her basket, picked up the pile of
cards that the children had made and began distributing them. Then she
sat back to watch as each card was opened. She heard squeals of delight
as handwritten sentiments were read and admiring gasps as beautiful
pictures were examined. But best of all, she witnessed the smiles of
pure joy that each child gave to the one who had made their card for
them.

The rest of the day passed quickly and it wasn’t long before Christy was
dismissing the class. With a cheery wave and a final hug, the children
left to share the happiness of the day with their families. Sighing
contentedly, Christy  sat down at her desk to properly examine her gift.

Each child had drawn a picture of an event that had occurred since
Christy’s arrival in Cutter Gap. Christy smiled as she looked at LuLu’s
picture of everyone playing “them Highland games”; Ruby Mae’s
illustration of the performance of Romeo and Juliet and Creed Allen’s
life like sketch of his raccoon, Scalawag. Becky had drawn her
impression of a Silkie, reminding Christy of the night when Neil had
told them both the story of the water spirit, in order to calm a
frightened Becky during the storm. But perhaps the most poignant drawing
of all was Mountie’s self portrait, in which she wore a coat complete
with shiny buttons. As she looked at drawing after drawing, Christy
relived her first year in Cutter Gap. So engrossed was she in her
memories, that she was startled by a knock at the door. She looked up to
see Neil in the doorway.

“Hello Neil,” she said.
“Hello Christy. I see that I have not been the only one receiving gifts
today.” He indicated the drawings.
Christy smiled. “It was the children’s idea,” she said. “It’s their
Valentine’s gift to me.”
“It seems that they were focusing on love today, then,” said Neil,
looking at her intently.
Christy blushed. “Neil, the other night..” she began, but Neil hushed
her by putting a finger on her lips.
“No Christy, let me speak. I’ll admit I was sceptical of your plan. I
thought it was too naive to work. But, if the other people who received
gifts from the children today feel half as good as I do, then maybe we
will see less feuding for a while at least.”
Christy looked at him gratefully. “Thank you Neil,” she said.
Suddenly Neil stepped forward and put a scroll of paper on her desk,
tied with a piece of tartan ribbon.
“Another one for your collection,” he said. “Happy Valentine’s Day,
Christy.” 

Christy watched him go, speechless. Then, with trembling hands, she
untied the ribbon and unrolled the gift. In her hands lay a black and
white sketch. It was of the river, where Neil had taken her those few
months ago. She looked up in time to see him galloping away. “Happy
Valentine’s Day to you too,” she said. Tucking her latest gift into her
basket, she set off for home.

Christy felt strangely calm as she reached the Mission. David was
waiting for her and wasted no time in beginning a conversation.
“Christy, “he said. “I owe you an apology for my behaviour these last
few days. I was foolish and cruel and I’m sorry. Can you forgive me?”
Impulsively, Christy hugged him. “Of course I forgive you,” she said.
“You are my dearest friend. How could I stay angry at you?”
David grinned. “Those two young scamps, Creed Allen and Sam Houston woke
me this morning with a Valentine’s Day gift,” he said. “A paperweight
for holding my mighty fine sermons, they said.”
Christy giggled.”Oh David,” she said,”I hope it wasn’t too heavy!”
“No,” answered David, “It was perfect. Thank you Christy, for reminding
me how easy it is to show love for another.”
Into her hand he pressed a bookmark of crocheted lace. “This was my
mother’s,” he said. “I’d like you to have it. Happy Valentine’s Day,
Christy.” 
“Oh David,” said Christy, “I don’t know what to say. It’s beautiful. 
Thank you.”
David looked at her for a long moment.”Well, “ he said finally, “I’d
better start preparing one of my mighty fine sermons for Sunday morning.
And anyway,” he added, “I think Alice is waiting for you in the
kitchen.”

Alice was indeed waiting when Christy walked into the kitchen a couple
of minutes later. In her hands she held a letter.
“Ben Pentland brought this over this morning,” she said. “It is from
Asheville.”
“Daddy!” Christy recognised the handwriting immediately. She tore open
the envelope and pulled out a beautiful card. Inside were written the
words,”You will always be my Valentine, little Miss. All my love,
Daddy.”
Christy looked up at Miss Alice, her eyes shining. “I was so afraid that
today was going to be terrible,” she said,”but it has been the best day
of my life.”

Alice took both of Christy’s hands in hers. “Christy Huddleston, thee
are a remarkable young woman,” she said. “When Ben Pentland brought thy
letter, he also brought news of the Cove. Apparently, everyone has been
affected by St Valentine’s Day. Gifts are being given all over Cutter
Gap. Neighbours are smiling and helping each other and treating each
other with respect. It seems that thee was right. The simple gestures of
the children have been of the most educational value of all. They have
reminded their parents about love and concern for others. For today at
least, there is no feuding. We have thee to thank for that.”
“No Miss Alice, don’t thank me,” said Christy happily. “Thank St
Valentine.”

On Sunday morning, the residents of Cutter Gap came to church as usual.
Yet something was different. It was normal for certain families to sit
well away from others, for muttered comments to be made as feuding
families entered the church. This morning though, everyone mixed freely
with everyone else. The effects of Valentine’s Day had lasted two days
so far and Christy fervently hoped that this goodwill would continue. A
hush fell over the congregation as David stood at the pulpit.
“My friends,” he began, “my sermon today concentrates on the passage of
Scripture from 1 Corinthians 13. It is a passage about love. I would
like to read it to you now. As he picked up the bible, he removed a
heavy rock that had been marking his place. Sam Houston nudged Creed
Allen.
“Lookee there!” he whispered. “That’s our paperweight!” David looked at
them both and winked. Delighted, they grinned back.
Everyone was silent as David  began to read the words from the Bible.

“If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I
am become sounding brass, or a clanging cymbal. And if I have the gift
of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all
faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And
if I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and if I give my body to be
burned, but have not love, it profiteth me nothing. Love suffereth long,
and is kind, love envieth not; love vaunteth not itself, is not puffed
up, doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not its own, is not
provoked, taketh not account of evil; rejoiceth not in unrighteousness,
but rejoiceth with the truth; beareth all things, believeth all things,
hopeth all things, endureth all things. “

 “I think you will all agree,” said David, as he replaced the
paperweight , “that here in Cutter Gap, we were so caught up with our
own concerns that we had forgotten all about the importance of love. We
came to church each Sunday, but our hearts were not truly open. We had
forgotten how to love one another. Recently though, we were reminded by
our own children and by their teacher, Miss Huddleston, that a simple
act of love can change the world. Look at us now. Neighbour talking to
neighbour, sharing our burdens and our joys. Our little world of Cutter
Gap has been transformed. Let us pray that it will remain so.”

Christy looked around her, her heart so full she felt it could burst.
Never could she remember feeling so happy. As David finished the reading
from Corinthians, she joined in with the final verse: 
“And now abideth faith, hope, love, these three; and the greatest of
these is love.”

 THE END