Brotherly Love  He was standing toward the back of the crowd
when he felt a gentle tap on his shoulder. Turning, his eyes met
hers – the most beautiful eyes he'd even seen.  "Mr. Lancer?"
she asked.  Tipping his hat he gave her his brightest smile.
"Johnny, ma'am. You can call me Johnny."  "Alright, Johnny. And
it's Miss not ma'am." She gave him her most beguiling smile. "My
name is Jennie Whitfield."  "Pleasure to meet you ma. . . I mean
Miss."  Jennie held out a snippet of purple ribbon with a number
written on one side. "I was hoping to get to know you better,
Johnny." She murmured. Johnny took the ribbon from her and held
it up to better read the numerals written upon it. "It's number
twelve," she clarified. "Box number twelve. It's the only one
tied in purple ribbon." Casting her eyes downward shyly, she
paused a moment before speaking again. "I know I'm not supposed
to ask but I'd be delighted if you'd bid on it. I'd love to
spend the afternoon with you."  "Number twelve in purple
ribbon," he repeated.