The Washington herald., 1908-05-31
HE WAS TOO WILLING.
He spent His Money Only to h
Refused.


Refused.
Thomas L. Mason. in Lppincott's
Mrs Peter Penson was not only very
much In love with Miss Mabel Went
worth. but very anxious to tell her so.
He had met her at the seaside resort.
and the time and the place and the ex-
traordinary beauty OF the young lady had
done their fatal work. But though he had
called several times. he had never found
her alone.
1t therefore became necessary for him
to adopt an expcdient-and one which
would cost as little as possible: for Mr..
Peter Penson was extremely cautious in
expenditure.
Miss Mabers home was not far from the
park. What could be more effective for
his purpose than walk in that verdant
locality?
viii YOU he managed to whisper one
evening. take a walk with me in the
park tomorrow afternoon2"
What for?" replied Miss Mabel IN
astonishment. The idea Of walking in a
park had never occurred to her since she
had become a young lady. No one ever
did it,
Peter blushed. The thought had never
occurred TO him that there would be any
difficulty.
why" he stammered. there was
something wanted to say to you,
and
Cant you say 1t here?"
Hardly. We may be interrupted at any
moment"
Suddenly Mabel smiled An idea came
to her.
Il tell you what" she said. Let us
take luncheon at the Switzerland. It's
quite proper. you know. And them
Peter shuddered as he thought that the
Switzerland was the most expensive place
in town.
And then" continued Mabel. I'VE
might go to the matinee. Let's see.
should so like 10 see The Birds Nest
They say it's fine. You can talk to me
between the acts"
But" objected Peter, Others would
hear US"
VERY well. then. We might walk
through the park. 1t will be dusk by that
time. Shall expect you tomorrow"
Peter replied Yes" but he did IT with
heavy heart
And be sure" was Mabers parting in
junction, ito reserve a table at the Swift
zerland-and you'd better get the seats
at once. 1 never like anything outside
of the tenth row. And. OH, Dir. Penson,
pardon me for speaking OF II. but Il
might rain. In which case I should pre-
fer an electric cab
Peter that night prayed that Il would
be pleasant the next day. But. alas!
Providence was not with him. 1t did rain.
And how II rainedl
Promptly at Y o'clock. however. he and
his electric cab were al the door OF
MabeIs house. And in twenty minutes
more they were seated In the front win
dow Of the Switzerland restaurant
Miss Mabel took up the card with the
eye Of an expert, and before Peter had
time to breathe she rad ordered nearly
twenty dollars worth OF unsubstantial
food
He paid the bill, however, and of to the
matinee they went.
Still II rained.
Il am afraid" said Peter. as they came
out, that we can't have that walk in
the park"
WHAT'S the matter with the cabY''
2 asked Mabel.
In truth, Peter had so firmly fastened
his mind on the park that it had never
, occurred TO him he could propose any,
where else. Besides. a cab seemed Sc
much more expensive. And yet this was
only apparent.
You are rightr he exclaimed.
They entered the cab. He turned 10 her
Mabel, dear" he said, Il love you
: VIII you be miner
Mabel did not reply Immediately and
: the cab was almost az her door before
= she did.
NO" she said at last
But"
, Il am sorry, but never can be yours
u Believe me, ii is impossible. Say no more
about it.
The cab stopped. They both got out
: Peter paid the driver and walked up the
L steps
: Why won't you have me?" he asked
In reply, Mabel smiled upon him ben.
= evidently.
> Because. Peter" she said. you are al
= | together too eXtravagant"