"That's too bad," said the statesman, his philanthropic sentiments at once being aroused. "I'll have it fixed for you. Let's have a look at it."
And before the cottager could stay him the statesman proceeded to enter the cottage. As soon as he had opened the door a broomstick fell upon his shoulders and a woman's voice shrieked:
"Back here again, are you, you old rascal! Clear out with you, or I'll—"
The statesman retired precipitately. The cottager sat in the road shaking his head in sorrow and embarrassment. The statesman bent over him, and laid his hand in kindly fashion on his arm.
"Never mind, Henry," said he, consolingly, "my chimney smokes sometimes, too."—Harper's.
NODD—"Are you sure your wife knows I'm going home to dinner with you?"
TODD—"Knows! Well, rather! Why, my dear fellow, I argued with her about it this morning for nearly half an hour."—Life.
A recent experience of a Virginia clergyman throws light on the old English law requiring that marriages should be celebrated before noon. A colored couple appeared before him, asking to be married, the man in a considerably muddled state. The minister said to the woman, "I won't perform this ceremony."