Do Not Play Favorites!

Oliver Davis Brownback was uncharacteristically nervous. He straightened his lapels and smoothed his long beard. He was preparing to call on the lady of his fondest hopes – AND her sister!
He recalled his previous visit with embarrassment. He had bought a box of candy for Hannah Jane Liggett and had carried it carefully as the road was rough and his horse was young.
He could still hear Hannah’s voice. Instead of thanks and a smile, she had refused the proffered present entirely!
“Mr. Brownback, I cannot take this gift from you!”
“Why ever not, Miss Liggett? You must know how much I admire you!”
“Because, Mr. Brownback, my sister Margaret does not have a beau herself! She is envious!”
Riding home with the rejected candy, Oliver had been puzzled.
Didn’t Miss Liggett like him? Maybe she didn’t care for candy! Were the thoughts of all women this difficult to comprehend? She had, after all, called him her beau!
A sudden idea struck him. He felt better at once! He had discovered the solution to his problem! He would bring Hannah the one present that she would not bring herself to refuse!
Once again, a week or so later, Oliver saddled his horse. Whistling to himself, he settled himself in the saddle and glanced at the carefully wrapped bundle he carried.
The miles sped by and once again he found himself outside Hannah’s front door. Dismounting, he opened the bundle he carried with care. Using both hands, he lifted the contents from its wrappings. Taking a deep breath, he walked up the steps. The door was opened by Hannah herself.
Oliver kept his hands behind his back.
“Good day, Miss Liggett! I’ve come to call once again and have brought you the perfect gift!”
Oliver extended his right hand. It held a small wrapped parcel.
Eying Oliver’s hand, Hannah reminded him that gifts were a problem although she was happy to see him.
Smiling broadly, Oliver extended his left hand. There it was – an identical wrapped gift!
“Miss Liggett, both you and your sister shall have the same present! Surely you wouldn’t disappoint her by refusing to accept them!”
“Mr. Brownback, you are too clever for me!” Blushing with pleasure, Hannah welcomed him into her parlor.