Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1889-06-06
He was near sighted.


ant OH near sightejness. There is proba.
bly, no person thus afflicted who has not
at some time cut his best friends and
killed possible acquaintanceship by fall
ing to recognize some one to whom he
has been recently introduced.
A very nervous and sensitive gentle
man, who can literally see little more
/ than AN inch before his nose,' says he
has far less to regret from bis failures to
salute acquaintances than from his at
| tempts at atonement after inevitable
mistakes. The history of one morning S
blunders may suffice to show the dlsa-
bllities under which he struggles.
On the way down town he met his
sister, who at once stopped him, exclaim
ing, why, Henry Gilbert, how could
you fail to recognize Mrs. Miles? You
have just passed her, and | suppose she
didn't bow because there wasn't even a
CLEAN of recognition on your face.
Dear, dear? have l actually made
such blunder? said poor Henry.-
And l am particularly anxious to be
on good terms with her husband. But
they're newcomers in our town, how
could l be expected to know her, when
I've only seen her twice ?
On the other hand, she can't be ex-
pected to make allowances for you, not
knowing you are near sighted, said his
sister, severely. Nov, Henry, do keep
lookout for people, and try not to
make any more mistakes for twenty-
four hours
Henry went on his way with heavy
heart, but when he entered horse car
that noon, it was with thrill of elation
that he saw Mrs. Miles established IN
one corner. To gain seat beside her
and begin ingratiating overtures, was
the work of an instant.
Good morning. said the repentant
one, taking of his hat with more than
ordinary Difference. What lovely
day I'm sure you've been shopping.'
The lady only looked at him, but her
silence hardly surprised her companion,
so absorbed was he in Jealous effort.
Ladies are such privileged beings
he went on. Think how charming it
Is to 60 about buying silks and ribbons,
instead of sitting all day in a stufy
office like us humdrum men,
The lady moved as far from him as
convenience would admit, but still she
did not speak.
I saw your husband this morning.
volunteered Mr.. Gilbert.
I have no husband, she announced,
coldly.
He looked her full in the face.
Bless me gasped he, i believe you
are not Mrs. Miles after ALL
4 certainly am not
Mr.. Gilbert apologized, and left the
car at the next corner. There, face to
face, he met lady who looked so ia
mlliar that, in pure despair, he took
off his hat to her, only to be requited
by surprised and distant bow.
THAT was a mistake, too, groaned he.
Evidently I didn't know her and she
thinks I meant to be impertnent.'
lie rushed on to seek the shelter of
his own walls, and as he entered the
gate, lady passed by on the other side
Of the street.
Il declare, Henry, this is too bad :
called his sister, before he reached the
piazza where she was sitting, you have
actually cut Mrs. Miles again! There
she goes down the street, and you had
ali the chance in the world to bow, or
even run over to her and apologize
Susan said Mr. Gilbert, transfxlng
her with adesperate glance, never dare
to mention Mrs. Miles name to me
Agau =