Making Short Work Of It

In the town of Hopkmson, Mass., lived a certain Deacon Sniall. In his advanced age lie had the misfortune to lose the rib of his youth. After doing penance by wearing a weed on his hat a full year, he was recommended to a certain Widow Hooper, living in an I ioining town. The deacon was soon astride of his old brown mare, and on arriving at the widow's door he discovered her in the act of turnüig the suds froin her wash-tubs. Said the deacon : " Is this Widow Hooper?" " Yes, sir," was the rtsply. "Well," continued the deacon, "I am that little bit of an old dried-up Deacon Small, and havo one question to p"ropose to y ou." "Please propose, sir.' "Well, madam," said the deacon, "have y ou any objection to going to Heaven by way of Hopkinton?" " None at all, deacon," was the reply. " Come in, deacon." Suffice it to say they were married the next day.