The Daily times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1886-1889, 1889-06-20
o. -~- ---
HE WAS NEAR SIGHTED.
Annoyances Of n Gentleman Who Tried TO
Atone for Biunder.


MANY are the social drawbacks attend
ant on near sightedness. There is prob
ably no person thus afflicted who has not
at some time cut his best friends and
killed possible acquaintanceship by fail
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 his failures to
salute acquaintance than from his at
tempts at atonement after inevitable
mistakes. The history of one mornings
blunders may suffice to show the disabil-
tiles under which he struggles.
On the way down town he met his
sister, who at once stopped him, exclaim-
g,"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 gleam
of recognition on your face
Dear, dear. have | actually made
such blunderi" said poor Henry. "And
am particularly anxious to be on good
terms with her husband. But they're
new comers in town, how could | be ex-
pected to know her, when I've only seen
her twice"
"On the other hand, she can't be ex-
pected 10 make allowances for you, not
knowing you are near sighted" :" said his
sister. severely. "Now, Henry, do keep
a 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 a seat beside her, and
begin ingratiating overturcs, was the
work Of an instant.
Good morning." said the repcntant
one, taking of his hat with moro than
ordinary Difference. "What a lovely day!
I'm sure you've been shopping"
Tho lady only looked at him, but her
silence hardly surprised her companion,
so absorbed was he in jealous effort.
ladies are such privileged beings"
ho went on. "Think how charming it
is to 20 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
did not speak.
81 saw your husband this morning.
volunteered Mr. Gilbert.
II have no husband she announced,
coldly.
lie looked her full in the face.
"Blcss me!' gasped he, 81 believe you
are not Mrs. Miles after all!'
Il certainly am not
Mr. Gilbert apologized, and left thccar
at the next corner. There, face to face,
he met a lady who looked so familiar
that, in pure despair, he took OF his hat
to her, only to bo requited by a surprised
and distant bow.
THAT was a mistake, too" groanedhc.
Evidently didn't know her, and she
thinks meant to DO impertinent."
He rushed on to seek the shelter of his
own walls, and as lie entered the gate, q
lady passed by on tho other side Of the
street.
81 declare, Henry, this is too bad."
called his sister, before he reached the
piazza where she was sitting, "you have
actually cut Mrs. Miles againl There
she goes down the street, and you had
all tho chance In the world TO bow, or
even run over to her and apologize"
Susan said Mr.. Gilbert, transfxing
her with a desperate glance, "neyer dare
to mention Mrs. Miles name to me again!'
Youths Companion.