Daily press. [volume] (Newport News, Va.) 1896-current, 1908-06-24
WY kRE-...
REFUSED finn
Mr.. Potter r., ss scss9, xss Too
Anil AaAaQEA

MI. refer ieuSCu MAS uot chiS w!
much in LOVE with Miss Mabel Went
worth but very anxious To tell her 81,
He had Nci her At a seaside resort.
and the time and the place and the
extraordinary beauty OF the young
lady had done their fatal work Put
though he had called several times,
he had never found her alone.
It therefore became necessary for
him to adopt an eXpedient-and ono
which would cost as little Us possible:
for Mr.. Peter Penson was extremely
cautious In expenditure.
Miss Mabel's home was not far
from the park What could be more
effective for his purpose thar walk
In that verdant locality?
will you" he managed to whisper
one evening. take Il walk with me
in the park tomorrow afternoon?
What for?" replied Miss Mabel in
establishment. The idea OF walking
in "A park had never occurred 10 Der
since she had become young la'iy.
No one ever did 1t.
Peter blushed The thought had
never occurred to lim that there
would be any difficulty
Why" he s;ammered there was
something ! wanted to say to yor.
and-"'
Cant you say ii here?"
Hardly. We may be interrupted at
any moment"
Suddenly Mabel smiled. An idea
came 70 her.
~ tell YOU what" she said. Let US
take luncheon a: the Switzerland.
It's quite proper, you know. And
then"
Peter shuddered as he thought that
the Switzerland was the most expcn-
sive place in town.
And then" continued Mabel, we
might go to the matinee. Let's see.
should like to 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 to-
morrow"
Peter replied Yes" but he did II
with a heavy heart.
And be sure" was Mabel's parting
Injunction, ito reserve a table at the
Switzerland and you'd better get the
seats at once. I never like anything
outside OF the tenth row. And. oh.
Mr. Penson, pardon me for speaking
Of it. but II might rain. in which case
l should prefer an electric cab.
Peter that night prayed that it
would be pleasant the next day. But.
alas. Providence was not with him.
1t did rain. And how it rained.
Promptly at IL o'clock. however. he
and his electric cab were at the door
Of Mabels house. And in 20 minutes
more they were seated in the front
window Of the Switzerland restau-
rant.
! Miss Mabel took mp the card with
the eye of an expert, and before Peter
had time 10 breathe she had ordered
nearly $50 worth OF unsubstantial
food.
He paid the bill, however. and of to
the matinee they went.
Still il 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 cab?"
asked Mabel.
In truth. Peter had so firmly fas-
! tened his mind on the park that 1t had
| never occurred to him he could pro-
nose anywhere else Besides, a cab
seemed so much more expensive. And
yet this was only apparent.
: You are right" he exclaimed.
They entered the cab. He turned to
her
Z Mabel. dear he said. Il love you.
/ viii you he mine?"
Mabel did not reply Immediately,
and the cab was almost at her door
before she did
/ No" she said. at last.
But"
| Il am sorry. but can never be
yours. Relieve me. It is impossible.
, Say no more about II"
The cab stopped They both got
out. Peter paid the driver and
walked up the steps.
why won't you have me-" he
asked.
} In reply. Mabel smiled upon him BE-
, nevolently.
! Because. Peter" she said. you are
/ altogether too extravaganza "-Lippin-
/ colts.