Wasted Sympathy.

Otago Witness, Issue 2860, 6 January 1909, Page 87

Wasted Sympathy.

The rector returning 1 from his holiday heard that a parishioner had "lost his old Betty," and at once hurried'off to console him. "I'm grieved to hear of your loss, Giles," he began. "Oh, well, sir, thankes," replied Giles, "it's a pity, of course; but she was a rare lazy jade ; she would never do anything unless she was well thrashed." "Tut, tut! Dear me " "It's true, sir. She was a bad bargain. Thank goodness the fair's next week, and I'll pick up a better one there, I hope, if I don't get suited before." "But don't you think, even for appear- | anoes' sake, you had better wait a little ! longer?' urged the clergyman, getting j rather annoyed at his tone. ! "Oh, no," responded Giles. "I've had j my eye on one for some little time, and | what I get for Betty's skin will go towards j it.- I tell 'cc what, sir! I wouldn't mind ! having one of your young "uiis, if. you're agreeable/ "I won't sfop to hear anothei word of.; such abominable talk," eaid the dLsgusted | rector. "There wasn't a better woman in j the village than your wife Betty." ! "Wife! Who's talking about my wife?" ! said the astonished Giles. 'I'm talking ! about my old mare that died yesterday." i