SHE COULD KEEP A SECRET.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1178, 17 May 1884, Page 1

SHE COULD KEEP A SECRET.

‘ We're bound to be equal to you men,' eaid the Mason’s wife, ‘we formed a secret society of our own last night.’ ‘lndeed,’ said the worshipful master, composedly; ‘ then I hope, my dear, your project will bo successful. Is it a benevolent society, or what?’ ‘That’s none of your business. It’s a secret society, and we re sworn by solemn oath nor, to divulge anything relating to it.’ ‘ Very good, my dear,’ observed the worshipful master, returning to his paper ; ‘ I’m sura I do not wish you to violate your oath. ’ ‘ It wouldn’t matter if you did, I wouldn’t. You keep your secrets close to think of that stupid Mrs Furbelow 1 She couldjecollect neither the sign nor the grip.* It took us an hour to teach her. When I gave her the sign, like this (suits the action to the word), she would make it in this way, ha ! ha ! Her stupidity would have been exasperating if it hadn't been ridiculous, and as for tearing the crrip, why she would have it that it was°this way —give me your hand a miuute —there, she would have it that way ; and the pass-word ! she couldn’t keep it in her memory two minutes. Over and over again I told her it was * Be just and fear not,’ and she would have it, ‘ Swear not at all,’ or ‘Do unto others as you would be done by,’ we almost despaired of getting it through her head. But wo made her understand at last. Oh, we are going to have a flourishing society, and we can be as secret about it as you men are about yours.’ Then the lady went off to attend to her household duties, and the worshipful master hid his face behind his paper and smiled.