The Portland daily press., 1882-04-01
A Victim of Charity.
What the Young Man Suffered at the
Fair.
LRronklxu Eagle.l

A<osAO'l
1t was at church fair, and he had come
there at the special request of his cousin" I"
who was at the head of the flower table. Be
opened the door bashfully, and stood, hat In
hand, looking at the brilliant scene before him
when a young lady rushed up, and grabbing
him by the arm, said
"Oh, you must, you will take a chance in our
cake. Come right over here. This way"
Blushing to the roots of his hair. he stam-
mered out that "really he didn't have the plea
sure of knowing"
ooh, that's all right" said the young lady.
you'll know me better before you leave. I'm
one of the managers, you understand. Come.
The cake will be all taken IL you don't hurry"
and she almost dragged him over 10 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. It will in
crease your chances, you know"
"Yery good" he stammered. "But I'm not
fond of cake-that is, haven't any use for the
d1h, that will be ever so NICE" said the
young lady, "for now if you get the ring you
can give it back, and wen put 1t In another
cake"
"Y-e-s-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 you
promised"
"Promised?"
"Well, no, not exactly that; but you viii
take just one slice?' and she looked her whole
soul into his eyes.
well, i suppose
"To be sure. There is your cake" and abe
slipped great slice into his delicately glovsa
hands as he handed her dollar bill. ooh that
is too nice," added the young lady, and she
plastered another piece of cake ON top Of the
one she had just given him. ~ knew you
would take at least two chances" and his dol
lar bill disappeared across the table, and she
then called to companion: "Oh, Miss Larkins
here is gentleman who wishes TO have his
fortune told"
"Oh, does he? Send him right over" an
swersd Miss Larkins
IT 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. "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.
in year Isn't that jolly? Seventy-ive cents,
please" This time the youth was careful to
hand out the exact change
"Oh, should Just like to have my fortune
told. May I?'' said the frs. lady.
"Oi course you may, my dear" said Mia
"Oh, dear, you are going to be married this
year, too. Seventy-fve cents more, please?"
and the poor youth came down with another
dollar note. ''No change here, you know" sd-
ded Miss Larkins, putting the greenback In her
pocket.
"Oh, come, let's try our weight" said the
first young lady, once more tugeing at the
bashful youth g coat sleeve, and before he knew
whore he was he found himself standing on the
platform of the scales. Zone hundred and
thirty-two," said the young lady. "Oh, how 1
should like to be great heavy man like you"
and she jumped on the scales like bird. .'One
hundred and eighteen. Well, that is light.
"One dollar, please"
"what?" said the youth, zone dollar!" isn't
that pretty steep. mean, ="
"Oh, but you know, "said the young lady, sit
is for charity" and another dollar was added
to the treasury OF the fair.
II think I'll have to go. have an engage
ment at"
"Oh, but first you must buy me bouquet for
taking You all around" said the young lady.
"Right over here" and they were soon in front
of the flower table. "Here is just what want"
and the young lady picked up basket OF rosss
and violets. ''Seven dollars, please"
"Oh, Jack. is that you?" cried the poor
youths cousin from behind the flower coun-
ter, "and buying flowers for Miss Giggle, too.
Oh, I shall be terribly jealous unless you bay
me basket, too" and she picked up an elabc-
rate affair. Twelve dollars, please, Jack"
and the youth put down the money looking
terribly confused and much as though he
didn't know whether to make bolt for the
door or give up all hope and settle down in dis
pair.
You'll excuse me, ladies'" he stammered,
"but must go. have"
Here, let me pin this in your button-hole,"
his cousin" Fifty cents, please"
and then the youth broke away and made
straight line for the door.
"Well, If ever visit another fair may be-
d-p' he calculated, as he counted over his
cash to see il he had the car fare to ride homo.