BREAKING IT GENTLY.

Patea Mail, Volume IV, Issue 318, 4 May 1878, Page 4

BREAKING IT GENTLY.

“ Yes, I remember that anecdote,” tbe Sunday-school superintendent said, with tbe old pathos in his voice, and the old sad look in his eyes. “It was about a simple creature named Higgins, that used to hard rock for old. Maltby. When the lamented . Judge Bagley tripped and fell down the court-house stairs and broke his neck it was a great question how to break the news to poor Sirs Bagley. But finally the body was put in Higgins’ waggon, and bo was instructed to take it to Mrs 8., but to be very guarded and discreet in bis language, and not break the news to her at once, bat do it gradually and gently. When Higgins got there with his sad freight, he shouted till Mrs Bagley came to the door. Then he said, “ Does the widdor Bagley live here ?” “ The tviclow Bagley ? No sir !” “ ITI bet she does. But have your own way. Well, does Judge Bagley live here ?” “Yes, Judge Bagley lives here.” “ Til bet he don’t. But it ain’t for me to contradict. Is the Judge in ?” “ No, not at present.” “ I jest expected as much. Because you know—take hold o’ suthin, mum, for I’m a-going to make a little communication, and I reckon, maybe, it’ll jar you some. There’s been an accident, mum. I’ve got the old Judge curled up out here in the waggon, and when you see him you’ll acknowledge yourself that an inquest is about the only thing that could be a comfort to Him.”