The Pulaski citizen. [volume] (Pulaski, Tenn.) 1866-current, 1882-05-18
A Victim of Charity.

1t was at church fair, and he had
come there at the special request of his
cousin, who was at the head of the
flower table he opened the door BASH
fully, 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 take a 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"
sob, that's all right" said the young
lady, "You will know me better be-
fore you leave. I'm one of the
managers, you understand. Come; the
cake will be all taken if you don't
hurry" and she almost dragged him
over to one OF the middle tables
''There, now; only so cents slice, and
you may get a real gold ring. You had
better get three or four slices, sure. 1t
will increase your chances, yOC know"
"But Pm not fond of cake-that is, /
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
a sickly smile. ''To be sure; but"
"Oh, there isn't any but about it,"
said the young lady, smiling sweetly
"you know that you promised"
"Promised ?''
"WelI, no, not exactly that; but you'll
take just one slice ?" and she looked her
soul into his eyes.
"Well, L suppose"
"To be sure. There is your cake"
and she slipped a great slice into
his dclicately 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 companion ;''Oh, Miss Lsrkins,
here is a gentleman who wishes to have
his Torture told"
"Oh, does he? Send him right over"
answered Miss Larkin. 49,
81 beg your pardon, but l think you
are mistaken. l don't remember say
ing anything about"
"Oh, but you will,' said the first
young lady, Juggling at the youths arm.
"It's for the good of the cause, and you
won't refuse" and once more the beau
tiful eyes looked soulfully into his.
"Here we arc. Now take an envelope;
open it. There; you are going To be
married in a year. Isn't that Jolly?
Ssventy-five cents, please" This time
the youth was careful to hand ont the
exact change. ooh, l should like to
have my fortune told, May I?'' said
the first young lady.
"Of course you may, my DEAR" said
Miss Larkins, handing out one of her
envelopes. ooh, dear, you are going 10
be married this year, too. SeVenty-five
cents MORE" and the poor youth came
down with another dollar note. mo
change here, you knew" added Miss
Larkins, putting the greenbaek in her
pocket.
"Oh, come, let's try our weight said
the first young lady, once more Juggling
at the bashful youths coat-sleeve, aud
before he knew where he was he found
himself standing on the plat orm of the
scales. Zone hundred and thirty-two,"
said the young lady. "Oh, i should
like to be a great heavy man like you,"
and she jumped on the scales like a
bird. "One hundred and twenty. Well,
that is light. One dollar, please"
"what !" said the youth; zone dollar?
Isn't that pretty steep? / msan-I-"
"But you know it is for charity" said
the young lady; and another dollar was
added to the treasury Of the fair.
81 think I'll have to go. / have an
engagement at"
'-Oh, but first you must buy me
bouquet for taking you around" said
the young lady. Alright over here -
and they were soon standing in front Of
the flower table. ''Here is just what |
want" and the young lady picked up a
basket of roses and viOlets. seven
dollars, please"
'sOh. Jack, is that you - cried the
youths cousin from behind the flower
counter; ''Rnd buying flowers for Miss
Giggis, too. Oh, 1 shall be terribly
jealous unless you buy me basket,
too" and she picked up an elaborate
affair. Twelve dollars, Jack" and the
youth put down the money, looking
terribly con fused, as though he didn't
know whether to make bolt for the
door or give up all hope and settle down
in despair.
"You'll excuse me, ladies'" he STAN
mered, but l must go. l have"
"Here, let me pin this in your button