The commonwealth. (Scotland Neck, N.C.) 1882-1884, 1882-08-24
A VICTIM OF CHARITY.

had come there at the special request
of his cousin, who was at the head
of the flower table. He opened the
door bashfully, and stood, hat in
hand, looking at the brilliant scene
before him. when young lady rush.
ed up and grabbing him by the arm
said,'
ssOh you must take a chance in
our cake. Come right over this
way"
Blushing to the roots of his hair,
he stammered out that ''really he
didn't have the pleasure of know
ing"
ooh, 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 mid
die tables. ''There, now; only
fifty cents a slice. and you may get
a real gold ring. You had better
take three or fou: 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 heven't any use for the ring -
"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. ''To be sure ;
but"
"Oh, there isn't any but about it, .
said the young lady, smiling sweet
ly :" you know that you promised. .
promised %
swell, no not exactly that; but
you'll take just one slice ?" and she
looked her whole soul into his eyes.
"Well, l suppose"
"To be sure. There is your
cake" and she slipped a great slice
into his delicately gloved hands 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 a
compani Jon, "Oh, Miss Larkins, here
is gentleman who wishes to have
his fortune told"
"Oh. does he? Send him right
over,: answered Miss Larkin.
81 beg your pardon, but I'm afraid
you are mistaken. I don't remember
saying anything about
"Oh, but you wiD,'' said the first
young lady. tugging at the youth
arm. "It's for the good of the cause
and you won't refuse" and once
more the beautiful eyes looked soul
fully into his. ''Here we are. Nov
take an envelop; open it. There
you are going to be married in {
year. Isn't that jolly? Seventy five
cents, please" This time the you'll
was careful to hand out the exact
change. "Oh, 1 should like to have
my fortune told. May Il" said The
first young lady.
''Of course you may, my DEAR
said Miss Larkin, handing out one
of her envelopes. s'Oh, dear, yor
are going to be married this year
too. Seventy-fve cents more,' ano
the poor youth came down with an
other dollar note. mo change here
you know" added Miss Larkin, put
ting 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 or
the platform of the scales. ''Ont
hundred and thirty y-two," said The
young lady. ''Oh, should like tt
be great heavy man like you," ane
she jumped on the scales like bird
"One hundred and twenty. Well
that is light. One dollar, please
"What!' said the youth; one dol
lar Isn't that pretty steep ?
mean-I-"
s'But you know it is for charity >
SAID the young lady; and another
dollar was added to the treasury O1