AN AGREEABLE MISTAKE
The soldier of four months was recounting his experience of “living on the country” in an Eastern county. He and a comrade had been dispatched with a motor-car to perform a certain mission. After traveling a considerable distance they sighted an inn sign, and, running the car into the yard at the rear, alighted and entered by a back door. A picturesque dame appeared, to whom the bluff and hearty spokesman said:
“Now, mother, is there anything to eat?”
“Well, you can have some nice cold beef, and if you like to wait half an hour I’ll cook you some potatoes and a cauliflower.”
“Ah! Worth waiting for, that is, mother! Right-o!” said the soldier.
She smiled approvingly, and told them to go into her own parlor. In due course they were bidden to the feast, over which they were glad to have her preside, for she talked very entertainingly. Eventually the spokesman broached the question of payment.
“Now, then, mother, how much do we owe you, please?”
“Oh, nothing! I’m sure I’ve been very glad to have you.”
“But, look here! I’d never have come in ordering stuff to eat without expecting to pay for it. You know you can’t keep a ‘pub.’ open on dinners for naught! Now, can you, mother?”
“No, I can’t, my dear lad! I don’t try to. This isn’t the pub. It’s the house next door!”