Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1882-02-24
r u ~

A VICTIM OF CHARITY.-It was at
church fair, and he had come there al the
special request of his ''cousin,'' who was
at the head of the flower table. He open
ed 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, you will 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
s.Oh, that's all right" said the youn.
lady. "Youll know me better before yot
leave I'm one of the managers, you W.
derstand. Come. The cake will all b,
taken if you don't hurry" and she almos'
dragged him over to one Of the middle ia
bles. i'There now, only fifty cents slice
and you may get real gold ring. Yon
had better take three or four slices. l
will increase your chances you kuow."
"You're very good" he stammered
"But I'm not fond of cake-that is,
haven't any use for the ring-I-"
''Ah. that will be ever so NICE" said the
young lady, ''for now if you get the ring
you can give it back, and Well put it il
another cake"
sY -e-e-s,' said the young man, with a
sickly smile. ''To be sure. but"
''Oh, there isn't any but about it, said
the young lady, smiling sweetly. you
know you are promised ?''
promised 20
"WelI, no, not exactly that, but you will
take just one slice ?" and she looked hel
whole soul into his eyes.
swell, suppose
''To be sure. There is your cake," and
she slipped great slice into his delicatel.
gloved hands as he handed her dollal
bill. 'iOh, that is too nice," added the
lady, as she plastered another piece of cake
on the top of the one she had just given
him 81 knew you would take at least two
chances and his dollar bill disappeared
across the table, and then she called GU
to companion: cob. Miss Larkins. herr
is gentleman who wishes to have his for
tune told"
'sOh, does he? Send him right over, .
answered Miss Larkins.
Il beg your pardon, but I'm afraid you
are mistaken. don't remember saying
anything about"
.'Oh, but you will, }" said the first young
lady, tugging at the youths arm. 1T IS
for the good of the cause, and you won t
refuse,n and once more the beautiful eyes
looked soulfully into his. Here we are. "
s'Now. take an envelope. Open it. There:
you are going to be married in a year.
Isn't that jolly9 Seyenty-fve cents,
please" This time the youth was careful
to hand out the exact change.
"Oh, I should just like to have my fol
tune told. May II" said the first young
lady.
''Of course you may, my dear, said Miss
Larkins, handing out one of her envelopes.
-.Oh, dear, you are going to be married
this year too. Seyenty-fve more if you
please, - and the poor youth came down
with another dollar note. "No change
here. YOU knew added Miss Larkins,
putting the greenback in her pocket.
s'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.
sOne hundred and thirty two" said the
yoang lady. .Oh. how should like to be
!. great heavy man like you." and she
5amped on the scales like bird. Zone
,,,d,,1 and oi oh topn We'll that 10 IiOht
One dollar, please"
"What?'' said the youth, lone dollar!
ISN'T that pretty steep? mean, =
ooh. but you know" said the young
lady. sit is for Charity" and another dol
j,f was added to the treasury of the fair.
II think I'll have to go have an en-
ragement AT"
.:Oh. but first you must buy me bou-
o,at for taking you all around. said the
Jung lady. Right over here" and they
ware soon in front of the flower table.
ssHere is Just what want. y and the young
lady picked up basket of roses and VIC
Its ssSeven dollars, please"
..Oh. Jack, is that your" cried the poor
Youths cousin from behind the flower
6, sunter, land buying flowers for Miss
ssisgle, too Oh, shall be terribly jeal-
/, oas unless you buy me basket too" and
she picked up an elaborate affair. IT Twelve
.'ellars. please, Jack, T" and the youth put
Gown the money, looking terribly con-
fused as much as though he didn't know
whether to make bolt for the door or
give up all hope and settle down in des-
= iair..
.sYoulI excuse me, ladies'" he STAN
s.ered, .'but l must GO, have"
..Here, let me pin this in your button
lssla,n interrupted his ''cousin. +" Fifty
t...nts. please" and then the youth broke
hway and made straight line for the
dor,
ssWell. if ever visit another fair may l
be-- ba d-!'' he CALCULATED, as he counted
over his cash to see if he had the car fare