A COMPETITION IN MEANNESS.
Scene in a Baker's Shop in Ponsonby : Enter a gallant and economical Captain, who has been out shopping, carrying seven bundles of " sundry merchandise" (as the import lists say). "(Kve me a couple of loaves, missis, please," said the shopper, and while the lady proceeded to wrap the bread in a piece of newspaper, he put down the sixpence to pay for his purchase. Then a happy thought struck him and he uttered it : " I say, missis, get a sheet of brown paper and wrap up all these bundles of mine together." — " No, indeed !" she retorted, " not very likely I'm going to give a three-ha'penny sheet of paper to two loaves !" — " Well I'm blowed !" exclaimed the Captain, "if you ain't just the meanest woman I ever saw in any shop ! Griinme the loaves !" — " Mean ! you call me mean !" screamed the lady. " There ! (pitching a loaf at his head) take that ! and that ! You wretch ! Help ! Mr Q— !"— ln the midst of this storm of words and missiles the Captain was glad to gather up his bundles and beat a hasty and ignominious retreat. He says it is the most painful experience he ever had.
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Bibliographic details
Observer, Volume 5, Issue 116, 2 December 1882, Page 179
Word Count
198A COMPETITION IN MEANNESS. Observer, Volume 5, Issue 116, 2 December 1882, Page 179
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