The Ohio Democrat. (Logan, O. [Ohio]) 1886-1906, 1889-07-20
hE. WAS NEAR. SIGHTED.
Annoyance of n Gentleman who Tried to
Ia,

HE WAS NEAR-SiGHrED.
Annoynncs of n Gentleman who Tried to
Atoms for n Blunder.
Many are the social drawbacks at
tendant on near-sightedness. There is
probably no person thus afflicted who
has not ut some time cut his best friends
and killed possible acquaintanceship
by failing to recognize some one to
whom he has been recently introduced.
A very nervous and sensitive gentle
man, who can literally see little moro
than ian inch before his nose" says
he has far less to regret from his fail
ures to salute acquaintances than from
his attempts at atonement after inevi-
table mistakes The history of one
mornings blundcrs may suffice to show
the disabilities under which he strug-
giles.
On the way down town he met his
sister, who al once stopped him, eX
claiming: why, Henry Gilbert, how
could you fail to recognize Mrs. Miles?
You have just passed her, and sup
pose she didn't bow because there
wasn't even CLEAN of recognition on
your face"
Dear, dear! have l actually mado
such a blunder?' said poor Henry.
"And | am particularly anxious to bo
on good terms with her husband. But
they're newcomers in town; how could
l be expected to know her when I've
only seen her twice?"
"On the other hand she can be cx-
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 Il heavy
heart. but when he entered horse car
that noon it was with thrill of ela-
tion that he saw Mrs. Miles established.
in one corner. TO gain "a seat beside
her and begin ingratiating overtures
was the work of an instant.
Good morning." said the repcntant
one, taking off his hat with more than
ordinary Difference. "What a lovely
day! I'm surc you've been shopping"
The lady only looked at him. but her
silence hardly surprised her compan-
ion, so absorbed was he in Jealous ef-
fort.
Ladies are such privileged beings"
he went on. Think how charming it
is to go about buying silks and ribbons,
instead of sitting all day in stuffy
Office like us humdrum men,"
The lady moved as far from him as
convenience would admit, but still she
did not speak.
81 saw your husband this morning."
volunteered Mr.. Gilbert.
al have no husband, " she announced, J
coldly.
He looked her full in the face.
"Bless men' gasped he, Il believe
you are not Mrs. Miles, after all"
81 certainly am not"
Mr.. Gilbert apologized and left tho |
car at the next corner. There face to |
face he met lady who looked so fa-
miliar that in pure despair he took off |
his hat to her, only to be requitcd by Il |
surprised and distant bow.
That was a mistake, too" groaned |
he. Evidently did not know her,
and she thinks l meant to be imperti-
nent."
He rushed on to seek the shelter of |
his own walls, and as he entered tho |
gate lady passed by on the other side
of the street.
81 declare, Henry. this is too badr
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 all the chance in the world to
bow or even run over to her and apollo
gize."
"Susan," said Mr.. Gilbert, transfix-
ing her with desperate glance, ''never
dare to mention Mrs. Miles name to
me again!'' Youths Companion.