A MEAN PLAN.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3743, 14 July 1883, Page 4

A MEAN PLAN.

Thero was v score or more of women gathered together at Mr Johnson's house. Mr Johnson is a respectable citizen, though ho is rathor sceptical in some things. The women had just organised "The Foreign Benevolent Society," when Mr Johnson entered the room. He was at once appealed to to donate v few shillings as a foundation to work on, and then Mrs Graham added, "It would bo so pleasant in after years for you to remember that you gave the society its first kind word.' Ho slowly oponod his wallet, drew out a £1 note, and as the ladies smacked their lips and clapped their hands he asked "Is this society organised to aid the poor of foreign countries." <i I'os—yes-—yes!" Hiey chorused. " And it wants money i > "

"Yes—yes.' "Well, now," said Johnson, as ho folded tho note into a tempting shape, " thero are seventy marriod women here. Jf there arc fifteen of you who havo combed

tho children's hair this morning, washed the dishes, blackened the cookstove, and made tho beds, I'll donate £1." "I have," answered two of tho croAA-d, and tho rest said: " Why now, Mr Johnson?'

"If fifteen of you can make oath that your husbands are not Avearing socks ivith holes in the heels, the money is yours,' continued tho wretch. "Just hero him,' they exclaimed, each one looking at the other. "It ten of you have boys Avithout holes in the knees of their pants, this £1 goes to the society," said Johnson. " If their arc 5 pairs of stockings in this room that do not need darning I'll hand over the money," he Avent on. "Mr Johnson," said Mrs Graham, Avith great dignity, " tho rules of this society declare that no money shall be contributed except by members, and as you arc not a member, I beg that you will AvithdraAV and let us proceed Avith the routine business."