The door opened and there was Aunt Ad. "Suse, can I have the loan of your broom to sweep up? Mine came all abroad last night."

Oh, what a relief. I couldn't stand Aunt Ad. Nanna always said she was a "maw-mouth," but I was sure glad to see her now, instead of Neddy.

Then I heard the plump, squeak, plump, squeak, coming down the stairs and I started to swing my legs faster and faster. "Faura Malton" went through my mind. Oh no, that's not right!

"Keep your head on straight, girl," I could hear Nanna say.

The door opened and I was struck dumb. Not a word would come. I heard the porch door close or open, I didn't know which, and then it came to mind. "Maura Falton, Uncle George!"

He stood by the stove, rubbing his hands together, ignoring me. I'm going to die if he doesn't do something, I thought. Maybe I didn't say it. Should I try again? Then he turned and looked at me and the loveliest smile I have ever seen on a person's face in my life greeted me. "Well, Kari maid, you beat Neddy after all."

He put his hand in his pocket, rattled some change and came up with the shiniest half dollar you ever saw. He passed it to me and I put my arms around his neck and kissed him over and over.

"Ah, Kari my dear, you are a real kisser. God bless you." Tears came in his eyes and I knew he was remembering his own granddaughter who was living in Toronto whom he only got to see in the summer.

I don't know what "Maura Falton" means even to this day, but it was always the custom that whoever Maura Faltoned you first on St. Valentine's Day, you had to give them a gift. Uncle George was my favourite because he always gave fifty cents.