The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1889-08-23
.IE WAS NEAR-SIGhTED.
ANNOYANCE of a Gentleman Who Tried Tn
Atone for q Blunder.

ANNOYANCE of a Gentleman Who Tried tn
Atone for q Blunder.
Many are the social drawbacks at
+endant on near-sightedness. There is
nrohablv no person thus afflicted who
has not at some time cut his best friends
and killed possible acquaintanceship
hv failing to recognize some one to
whom he has been recently introduced.
A very nervous and sensitive gentle
man. 40 can literally see little more
than Ian inch before his nose," saws
ne has far less to regret from his fail
urrs 10 salute acquaintance than from
his attempts at atonement after inevi-
liable mistakes. The history of one
fine disabilities under which he strug-
giles
On the way down town he met his
sister, who at once stopped him. ex-
claiming: why. Henry Gilbert. how
could YOU fail to recognize Mrs. Miles?
You have just passed her. and l sup
nose she didn't bow because there
wasn't even CLEAN of recognition on
your face.
Dear, dear! have / actually made
such blunder?' said poor Henry
And am particularly anxious to be
ON good terms with her husband. But
they're newcomers in town; how could
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. Now, 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 a horse car
that noon it was with thrill of Ella
ton 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 off his hat with more than
ordinary Difference. What a lovely
day. I'm sure you've been shopping"
The lady only looked at him, but her
silence hardly surprised her cOmpan-
ion. so absorbed was he in Jealous eff
fort.
Ladies are such privileged beings"
he went on. Think how charming it
is to 90 about buying silks and ribbons,
instead of sitting all day in a stuffy
office like us humdrum men,"
The lady moved as far from him as
convenience would admit, but still she
lid not speak.
Il saw your husband this morning."
volunteered Mr.. Gilbert.
Il have no husband" she announced.
roldly.
He looked her full in the face.
BLESS men' gasped he, Il believe
you are not Mrs. Miles, after all. "
Il certainly am not"
Mr.. Gilbert apologized and left the
ear at the next corner. There face to
face he met a lady who looked so ia
miliar that in pure despair he took off
his hat to her, only to be requited by a
surprised and distant bow
That was a mistake, too" groaned
he. Evidently did not know her,
aud she thinks meant to be imperti-
nent"
He rushed on to seek the shelter of
his own walls, and as he entered the
gate lady passed by on the other side
0t the street.
81 declare, Henry, this is too badw
rallied his sister before he reached the
piazza where she was sitting; s.you
have actually cut Mrs. Miles again!
There she goes down the street. and
you had all the chance in the world to
bow or even run over TO her and apollo
gize."
''Susan," said Mr.. Gilbert, transfix-
hg her with desperate glance, ''never
dare to mention Mrs. Miles name to
me again" youths Companion