NOT TO BE OUTDONE IN POLITENESS.
A rich old man lying on his deathbed had assembled his three nephews to acquaint them with the manner in which he intended to dispose of his property.
“To you, my dear John, as you have always been a steady and dutiful nephew, I have left the sum of twenty thousand dollars.”
“Thank you, my dear uncle,” said John, burying his face in his pocket handkerchief to conceal his emotion. “I only hope you may live to enjoy it yourself.”
“You, also, Thomas, have been a good lad. I have, therefore, left you the sum of fifteen thousand dollars.”
“Thank you, my dear uncle. I only hope you may live to enjoy it yourself.”
“As for you, Frank, you have been a sad dog; to you, therefore, I have left the sum of twenty-five cents to buy a rope to hang yourself with.”
“Thank you, my dear uncle,” said the dutiful nephew. “I only hope you may live to enjoy it yourself!”