THE UNDERTAKER AND THE STUDENTS.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume 6, Issue 1711, 14 June 1884, Page 4

THE UNDERTAKER AND THE STUDENTS.

Mr Coffin kept a small undertaker's shop attached to his house, which was situated near Guy's Hospital. He was well known to the students as a very kind and hospitable man-in the way of business. Harry; Lowe and Frank Card wero students of Guy's, and very nice young men—for a small tea party —they were. It happened, ono afternoon, that Harry and Frank- wcro in sad want of a glass of wino, they wero in a frightful state of impecuniosity at the time, and as far as credit was concerned, they kDow, by bitter experience, that it would be absolute wasto of breath to attempt to obtain it. In passing Mr Collin's houso, a thought struck Frank Card, which he, accordingly, communicated to his friend Harry. Having decided on thoir courso of action, they knocked at tho undertaker's door, and waited the result. , They flere not kept waiting long before the door was opened by Mr Coffin himself, who, seeing two well-drvtsed young gentlemen at the door, with their faces covered with handkerchiefs, began to congratulate himself on an order, In the softest and most sympathetic tone ho could assume, ho iuvited them to walk in and tako a seat, which they condescended to do without a word. "And now, gentlemen," Baid Mr Coffin, " What can Ido for you ?" The only reply was a deep sob from Frank Card; "Cpmpose yourselves,'gentlemen," said tho undertaker, "May 1 offer you a glass 'of Sherry?" ■ •' ■ ; A decanter of sherry and two glasses being placed oh tho table, Mr Coflln desired the young gentlemen to help themselves, which they continued to do until the decanter was empty. "And now, gentlemen" again saU the undertaker " what can I do to serve-you ?" : '•'■''••■• ■■- : ;■ Frank, .still with his handkerchief to hi:

eyes groaned forth "My poor friend "aud then again relapsed into an kcousolable stato. ! . ■..-! Harry Liwo managed to make Mr Coffin understand that another hottlo of sherry would help.bis friend and hinweU-toj recover .■tiieir business' capacities; } accordingly.,an other hottlo was produced, the undertaker meanwhile saying to himself" Won't I stick it on in tne bill for this I" Then ;aloud— : " Don't trouble yourselves at all gontleihonj I will provide everything bats, 1 gloves,; weepers—overy'thing I" The sherry haying' by this vanished; Frauk and his fiidnd rose,' andthe 1 loriner then said, "Mr LoDln';do' we understand you to s-.y that you will provide everything ?" " Oh, yes, gentlerneu,", replied Coffin, " hats, gloves, weepers—everything I" ■ '-'Then,. sir,"' said:-Frank, "willyou be kind enough top.-ovile the body f We wish'you a very good evening, and thank you sincerely for the flurry which you'kiie provided."' '' They then made a rubh for the front door, leaving tho undertaker to his own reflections, l which were nono of the pleasantest,