The Somerset press. [volume] (Somerset, Ohio) 1873-1977, 1882-06-15
Victim Of Charity.

vHtfm OF Cnarfty.
Twas at a church fair, and he had come
tAere at the special request of his
~osusin." who was at the head of the
Aower-table. He opened the door bash
fully. and stood, hat in hand, looking at
the brilliant scene before him. when .
young lady rushed up, and, grabbing him
by the arm, said:
20 you must, you will, take chance
in our cake. Come right over here. This
wayr
Blushing to the roots of his hair, he
stammered out that Really he didn't
have the pleasure of knowing"
80 that's all right" said the young
lady You'll know me better before you
leave. I'm one of the managers, you
understand. Comei The cake will ali be
taken if you don't hurry" and she almost
dragged him over to one of the middle
tables. There now-only fifty cents q
slice, and you may get a real gold ring.
You had better take three or four slices.
Il will increase your chances, yoa 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-"
Z" All, that will be ever so NICE" said
the young lady, .'for now if you get the
ring v6u can give it back, and wei put
it in another cake"
"Y-e-e-s," said the young man, with
Q siekly smile. To be sure, but"
20, there isn't any but about it." said
the young lady, smiling sweetly, "You
know you promisedr'
Promised?"
"Well, no, not exactly that: but you
will take just one slice?" and she looked
her whole soul into his eyes.
Well, l suppose"
"To be sure. There is your cake, I"
and she slipped a great slice into his del
icately-gloved hands as he handed her a
one dollar bill. 20, that is too nice, {"
added the young lady, as she plastered
another piece of cake on top of the one
she had Just given him. Il knew you
would take at least two chances" and his
one dollar bill disappeared across the
table, and then she called to q compan-
ion: 80, Miss Larkins, here is gentle
man who wishes to have his fortune told,"
90 does hep Send him right over"
answered Miss Larkins.
Il beg your pardon. but I'm afraid
You are mistaken. / don't remember
saying anything about"
80, but you will, said the first young
lady, tugging at the youths arm. "It's
for the good of the cause, and you won't
refuse" and once more the beautiful eyes
looked soulfully into his. "Here we are.
Now, take an envelope. Open it. There!
you are going to be married in a year.
Isn't that jollyp Seventy-fve cents,
please" This time the youth was care
full to put out the exact change.
go, / should just like to have my for
tune told. May T. said the first young
lady.
"Of course you may, my DEAR" said
Miss Larkins, handing out one of her en-
velopes. 80, dear, you are going to be
married this year, too. Seventy-five
cents more, please" and the poor youth
came down with another dollar note.
mo change here, you know, added Miss
Larkins, putting the greenback in her
pocket.
"OScome, let's try our weight" said
the first young lady, once more tugging
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. 80, how should
like to be great heavy man like you,'
and she jumped on the scales like bird.
Zone hundred and eighteen. Well, that
Is light. One dollar, please"
"WhatP' said the youth; lone dollar
Isn't that pretty steepp mean, -
80, but you know said the young
lady, ''it is for charity;'' and another
dollar was added to the treasury of the
fair.
81 think I'll have to go. I have an
20, but you must first buy me bou-
quet for taking you all around" said the
young lady. fright over here" and
they were soon in front of. the flower.
table. Here's just what want" and
the young lady picked up basket Of
roses and violets. ''Seven dollars,
please" ... ,a .
80, Jack, is that youP" cried the pool
| youths ''cousin" from behind the flower
counter, land buying flowers for Miss
Giggie, too. o, shall be terribly jealou:
unless you buy me basket, too" ant
she picked up an elaborate affair
Twelve dollars, please, jack" and tht
youth put down the money, looking ter
ribly confused and much as though h
didn' 'tknow whether to make bolt fo
the door or give up all hope and settl'
down in despair.
| You'll excuse me, ladies'" he STAN
mered, "but must go, have
"Here, let me pin this in your button
hole," interrupted his cousin" ''Fift.
cents, please" and then the youth brok'
away and made a straight line for tn
door. Ht'
"Well, if ever l visit another fair, ma,
be-be blowedp' he CALCULATED, as b
counted over his cash to see if he had tn
car fare to ride home.-Br ooklyn Eagle