Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1913-04-12

rier between them.
Such was the present case. Spnng.
Ter. could he have learned who the lady
was or where she lived. would have
moved heaven and earth to find mu-
tual friend to introduce him But he
could not attach himself long enough
TO her to get any Information about
her. once while chatting with n friend
on the street 81 Q passed him. and he
asked the friend II he knew her Had
the reply been definitely in the mega
tive Spangler would have accepted the
inevitable. II Is not the inevitable that
troubles MS. we recover from II very
soon II Is the might have been the
slip 'twixt the cup aud the llp. Spaug
ler's companion gave him excruciating
agony by saying that he had met the
lady. but for his life he could not tell
when or where. what was her name or
where she lived.
Think" said SpanGlcr.
His friend thought. but with no re.
suit
You're stupid as an OWL snapped
Spangler III had met girl any.
where would surely be able to recall
something by which she might be iden'
titled"
II seemed as II fate were determined
to tantalize Spangler. He saw the girl
he wished To- know .on n trolley car.
He tried 10 board the car. but II was
going at n hreakneck speed. one day
he was sitting In n railway car. just
train passed him At window he
saw her just long enough for her 10
lower her eyes from Ills to the ribbon
in his buttonhole. Then again she was
gone. On another occasion. while on u
ferryboat, he saw her standing on the
deck OF another boat going the other
way. Yet never In any OF these meet.
ings did she show the slightest recog-
milton Of ever having seen him before.
Spnngler had bosom friend 10
whom he told his story. mentioning
the fact that though the girl on pass
Ing him never failed TO cast momcn
tary glance on the ribbon In his but
tonholc. she also failed 10 show the
slightest recognition of him. not even
permitting herself an amused smile.
I'm tell you what you do" said his
companion THE next time you pass
her pull the ribbon from your button.
hole and wave 1t about your head
ecstafically. Try her on that, and II
II doesn't break the ice the next time
kiss II and weep over It,"
Spangler was much comfortcd by this
idea: but, lovcr-like he despaircd of
ever meeting the girl again. And he
didn't that is. he didn't pass her on
the street or In railroad ear or an
automobile. But fate was waiting TO
give him far better opportunity than
any of these. one evening. being In
yited to n dance. he donncd his spike
tail coat. his low cut white vest
with eighteen carat gold buttons. and
appeared on the scene. quite ready for
any conquest that might present itself
He had no sooner appeared ut the doLr
Of the dancing hall. his thumbs in his
trousers pockets and his neck stretch
ed 10 see over his Unfortunately high
shirt collar. than he cspied the object
OF his alteration careering with her
head over her partners shoulders In
the two step
lie had his ribbon In his pocket he
never wore IL where 1t would attract
attention. though he always carried II
with him-and on seeing his inamorata
he whipped II out and tied II IN his
buttonhole. Choosing partner. he
sailed into the dance. steered her 10
ward the lady he desired TO impress
and had the satisfaction TO see her
eyes fixed on the ribbon as she passed
him: but. as at the other meetings.
her face was as impressive as marble
statue
"l'll break through that II have 10
disgrace myself 10 do it, said Span
gler. And going into the gentlemen ;
dressing room. he took the string from
one OF his low patent leather shoes
and tied the ribbon in II In a butteri,
knot OF great beauty On re-cnterin-
the hall he found the reveiers formin.
ner. he led her 10 the set In which the
girl whose attention he wished TO NJ
tract had taken position and establish
cd himself MS her yis-a-vis. She ignor
ed him ms completely as ever. Will,
standing still his trousers covered hi
blue ribbon shoestring
The music struck up. and the hcaa
couples moved forward and back
Spnngler on advancing raised his T.,
ribboned foot and swung Il IN grace
full curves. The young lady opposite
stood her ground. but the rigidity
her face showed signs of giving way
As Spanglcr rcceded he left the de,
GRATED shoe as far forward rs possible
ON turning corners he held II high
hopping around ON the other foot.
The goal was wont The lady VIII"
had furnished the ribbon and laced
his shoe burst into laughter.
There We're more explosions durin-
the dance. and when II was finished
and Spnngler led his partner 10 scai