Rough on the Ring Buyer.

Otago Witness, Issue 2356, 20 April 1899, Page 62

Rough on the Ring Buyer.

It is a horrible situation to be in, complained the young man, and the wo.-st of it is that I cannot see any light ahead. I thought when the girl promised to be mine that all my troubles would be over. But it seems they have only commenced. I don't dare to think of the money I have spent on flowers, theatres, etc. I was always held up by the hope that it would end some day, and I would enter upon the reward of my perseverance. Maybe lam to blame for carrying the idea that I had money to burn ; but I had to keep up appearances somehow, or her father would never have allowed m<j inside the houce.

I have tasted pleasure unalloyed in my time, but it wasn't when she was thanking me for flowers that took my last penny and left me wondering where my next meal was coming from. But I was always cheered by tho thought that my suit was progressing, and that it was only a question of a short time when I should be able to ask the all-important question.

Well, when at last I thoxight it would be safe to ask the girl, and she said she would be mine, I was the happiest man alive, until I noticed her gimng meditatively at her third finger. That confounded engagement ring ! I had forgotten all about it. Well, tho situation had to be met, and by selling my bike and wearing my last winter's overcoat, I managed to raise enough money to buy a ring that was worthy of the girl. I started out to buy the real thing ; but when I saw how closely they wero imitated by inferior goods, I had an idpa. I picked out two genuine rings as well as two that were merely imitations, and sent them up to the girl's house for her to pick out the one that sho liked best, trusting to luck that she would pick out one of the cheaper kind.

I have just received a note from the girl saying that they are all perfectly lovely ; that she is unable to pick out the one that she likes best, so she has concluded to keep them all, wearing them alternately, and thus setting a new style in regard to engagement rings. Hang the style ! Hang tho girl ! Hang everybody ! I'd hang myself if I had the price of a rope !