The Rosie World. Fillmore Parker

      ROSIE RECEIVES AN INVITATION

      Rosie did not see George that night, but she brought up the subject next day at dinner. It was Sunday, so the whole family was assembled.

      "Are you selling many tickets, Jarge?"

      "Yes, a good many, and one of my customers give me back two."

      "Oh, Jarge, did he really? What are you going to do with them?"

      George glanced timidly in the direction of Ellen. It was plain at once what he wanted to do with them. It was also plain that Ellen was not going to give him much encouragement. To get the support of the family, George made his invitation public. "I was hoping that Ellen would like to go with me."

      Ellen glanced up languidly. "Thanks, Mr. Riley, but I don't see how I can."

      George, swallowing hard, forced out the question: "Why not?"