FOREIGN BENEVOLENT SOCIETY.

Thames Star, Volume VII, Issue 2534, 19 February 1877, Page 3

FOREIGN BENEVOLENT SOCIETY.

;•, There were a score or more women gathered together at Mr Johnson's house. Mr Johnson is a good-hearted man, a respectable citizen, though he is rather sceptical about some things. The women had just organised " The Foreign Benevolent Society" when Mr Johnson entered the room. He was at once appealed to donate a few shillings as a foundation to work on, and Mrs Graham added;—" It would be so pleasant in after years for you to remember that you gave this society its first shilling and the first kind word." ' ■.• ■

He opened his wallet, drew out a one pound note, and as the ladies smacked their lips and clapped their hands he asked: —"Is this society in aid of the poor of Foreign countries p" Yes—yes—yes ?" they chorussed. ■• ■•-.? And it wants money ?" :

; }^' Yes—yes!" . -"_' . ' "_'■ _ "Well, now;" said Johnson as he folded'the note in a tempting shape, "There are twenty married women here. If there are fifteen of you who can make oath that you have combed jour children's hair this morning, washed the dishes, blacked the cookstove, and made the beds, I'll donatethis one pound note." '„• 1 have," answered two of the crowd, and the rest said :-r-

'.' Why, now, Mr Johnson!"

"If fifteen of you can make oath that your* husbands are not wearing socks with holes in the heels, this money is yours," continued the wretch. "Just hear him !" they exclaimed, each one looking at the other. " If ten of you have boys without holes in the knees of .their pants, this note goes to the society !'"• said Johnson. ' " Such a man!" they whispered. ' '^If there are five pairs of stockings in this - room that don't need darning, I'll hand over the money," he went on, "Mr Johnson/ said Mrs Graham with great' dignity, "the rules of this society declare that no money shall be contributed except by members, and as you are not a member, I beg that you will withdraw and let us proceed with the Toutine business."