The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1882-05-25
A Victim or Charity.

It was at church fair, and he had
come there at the special request of his
cousin, who was at the head of y flower
table. He opened the door bashfully,
and stood, hat in hand, looking at the
brilliant scene before him, when young
lady rushed up and grabbing him by the
arm said,-
"Oh, you must take chance in our
cake. Come right over here-this way"
Blushing to the roots of his hair, he
stammered out that "really he didn't
have the pleasure of knowing"
"Oh, that's all right" said the young
lady. "You will know me better before
you leave. I'm one of the managers,
you understand. Come; the cake will
all be taken if you don't hurry" and she
almost dragged him over to one of the
middle tables. "There, now; only fifty
cents slice, and you may get real gold
ring. You had better take three or four
slices, sure. 1t will increase your
chances, you know"
You're very good" he stammered.
But I'm not fond of cake-that is, l
haven't any use for the ring-I-"
THAT will be ever SO nice" said the
young lady, "for now if you get the ring
you can give it back, and we can put it
in another cake"
"Y-e-e-s," said the young man, with
sickly smile. ITO be sure; but"
"Oh, there isn't any but about it"
said the young lady, smiling sweetly;
"you know that you promised"
II promised"
"Well, no; not exactly that; but you'll
take just one slice?" and she looked her
whole soul into his eyes.
well, I suppose"
ITO be sure. There is your cake"
and she slipped a great slice into his
delicately gloved hand as he handed her
a dollar bill. "Oh, that is too NICE"
added the young lady as she plastered
another slice of cake on top of the one
she had Just given him. 81 knew you
would take at least two chances" and
the dollar bill disappeared across the
table; and then she called out to O COM
panion, "Oh, Miss Larkin, here is
gentleman who wishes to have his for
tune told"
''Oh, does he? Send him right over"
answered Miss Larkin.
ct beg your pardon, but Tn afraid you
are mistaken. / don't remember saying
anything about"
"Oh, but you WILL" said the first
young lady, Juggling at the youths arm.
ats for the good Of the cause, and you
won't refuse" and once more the beau
tiful eyes looked soulfully into his.
"Here we are. Now take an envelope;
open it. There; you are going to be
married in year. Isn't that Jolly?
Seventy-five cents. please"
This time the youth was careful to
hand out the exact change.
"Oh, should like to have my for
tune told. May II" said the first young
lady.
"Of course you may, my DEAR" said
Miss Larkin, handing out one of her en-
velopes. "Oh, dear, you are going to
be married this year, too. Seventy-fve
cents MORE" and the poor youth came
down with another dollar note. "No
change here, you know" added Miss
Larkin, putting the greenback in her
pocket.
"Oh, come, let's try our weight" said
| the first young lady, once more Juggling
at the bashful youths cOat-sleeve, and
before he knew where he was he found
himself standing on the platform of the
scales. Zone hundred and thirty-two,"
said the young lady.
"Oh, should like to be great heavy
man like you," and she jumped on the
scales like bird. lone hundred and
twenty. Well, that is light. One dol
lar, please"
WHAT said the youth. "One dol
lar? Isn't that pretty steep? l mean"
but you know it's for charity" said
the young lady; and another dollar was
added to the treasury of the fair.
II think I'll have to go. l have an
engagement at"
"Oh, but frat you must buy me q
boquet for taking you around" said the
young lady. fright over here" and
they were soon standing in front OF the
flower table. Here is just what I
want" and the young lady picked mp q
basket of roses and violets. Seven
dollars, please"
"Oh, Jack, is that your" cried the
poor youths cousin from behind the
flower counter; land buying flowers for
Miss Giggee, too. Oh, shall be terri
bly, jealous unless you buy me . basket,
too" and she picked up an elaborate a.
fair. Twelve dollars, Jack, and the
| youth put down the money, looking ter
ribly confused, as though he did not
know whether to make . bolt for the
door or give mp all hope and settle down
in despair.