She Meant It Too.

Otago Witness, Issue 2086, 15 February 1894, Page 49

She Meant It Too.

" I suppose you have heard of the mean way in which Mr Snodgrass treats his wife and children, haven't you ? " said Mrs Keedick to a friend as the two were riding together in a tram the other day. "Sh! Don't speak quite so loud," replied the latter in a frightened sort of a whisper. But the admonition was lost on Mrs Keedick, who continued in a somewhat louder tone : " I believe it is all true, too. They say he's bo stingy that he won't give his wife a single sixpence unless she just literally pleads for it, and then he throws it to her much as a mieer would throw a bone to a dog." "Please don't speak quite so loud," replied Mrs Keedick's auditor. " Mrs Snodgrass hasn't had a new bonuot in two years," the speaker went on, without lowering her tone, "and it must be much longer than that since she had the pleasure of ordering a new gown. Before I'd put up with such nonsense I'd make my husband's life a burden to him ! It isn't as though the skinflint couldn't afford it He's far better off than your husband or mine, and yet he treats that sweet woman who was fool enough to marry him m that cruel fashion." "A little lower tone, please," nudged the listener, but Mrs Keedick's voice was just as loud, as she kept on : " It's the same way with tbe children. They can't go to school because they haven't clothes fit to wear. He's as cross as a bear to them, too. Seems to resent their presence on the same earth with him. How Ido pity the poor things, and especially at this time of the year ! It's a mighty sorrowful Christmas they will have unless the neighbours take up a collection for them." There came another nudge from Mrs Keedick's friend, and just then a man who Bat near signalled the conductor to stop, and he got out. The nudger heaved a sigh of relief. "That was Mr Snodgrass himself, and I'm so afraid he heard what you said." " Yes," replied Mrs Keedick calmly, " I knew it was the miserable, mean man, and I intended that he should know just what people think of his meanness. I'm in hopes it will do him good, and make life more bearable for his wife and children." And Mrs Keedick smiled sweetly as she bade her friend good afternoon, and left the tram.