CUPID IN A FIX.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2293, 23 July 1880, Page 2

CUPID IN A FIX.

A TI3IAEU HOMANCE. A sad story of blighted ambition, of blasted prospects, of confidence mis-

placed, and hope deferred, has reached our ears. A youth employed in a Timaru Hotel became desperately emamoured of Miss Bonnifaco, a young and charming relative of the landlord’s. The swain, anxious to prove the sincerity of his passion, at length decided to present his lady-love with a souvenir, and with this object called at the establishment of a well-known Timaru jeweller, and after considerable hesitation, selected a handsome gold ring, set with diamonds, as an appropriate offering. So pleased, indeed, was the youth with the glitter of the stones,that he bespoke a second ring for a friend, and finally a third for his own finger. Money was “no object,” the delighted tradesman was informed, the purchaser having just received “ advice by cable that a rich and eccentric relative had died at Horae, and bequeathed him a handsome legacy, and a considerable sum was coming out by the Suez mail, due in Timaru on Wednesday, July 21.” That young man told his story with such an off-hand air that the dealer in valuables, completely taken off his guard, swallowed every word, and blessed his stars that even in these dull times a purchaser could be found for three gold rings set with diamonds. But how shall we relate the harrowing sequel ? The twenty-first of July came, but strange to say the expected remittance from England did not. The lovesick youth tendered an explanation, the jeweller intimated that he would prefer cash, and finding it did not come actually insisted on the young lady returning her ring “ pending the arrival of Mr Hard-up’s remittance from home.” The friend was also politely requested to return his “ token of friendship.” How a certain Timaru tailor was seized with misgivings on hearing about this, and on comparing notes with jeweller discovered that he too had been “operated” on by the connosicur in jewellery. The pressing enquiries that arose in consequence induced the youth to take a sudden departure for a southern watering place “ in quest of an uncle,” whither the disgusted jeweller has followed him. Perhaps the one that has' come best out of this vexatious business is aj r oung friend of the fortunate youth, who having been presented by him with a set of gold studs, &c., on the strength of the legacy, immediately made tracks and has not been seen since. And thus the romance ends. The tailor is anxious, the jeweller is even more so, and the young lady is disconsolate.