Woman Ahead

Tlie brethren of Hardin Lodge, No. 5-22, on laat Saturday night, were treatsd to a surprise on a point not set down n the books, and which, as an interpretation of Masonic law, entirely sets iside all precedents laid down by Olivét, Maokey, Moore, Cross, Mitchell or ather learned writers on Masonic ruling wil usages. It seems that there was a saudidate in waiting to take the second rlegree, and, as the lodge had considerable business to transact and the night was stormy, the gentleman concluded to return home until such time as it should please the lodge to take tip his OM. When everything was ready, a brother was sent to find him, who retumed and reported that the brother had gone home. Whereupon a committee was appointed to wait on the brother and inform him that the lodge was now ready to prooeed to business. The committee started out through the snow and storm and finally arrived at the house of the gentleman and rapped at the door, which was opened by his wife, who was already dressed for the night. The committee stated their business, when they were politely but energetically informed by the lady "tliat at present she had a stronger grip on Mr. X. than the grip of an entered apprentice ; that the lodge might do as it pleased, but, the Lord willing, Mr. X. was now about to retire witli Mrs. X." The committee, struck dumb with a8tonishment, formed in solid proeession and returred to the lodge. Had a bomb-shell fallen through the roof it could noff have created more confusión than the report of the committee on the reply of the plucky woman. The hair of the "VVorshipful Master stood upright " like quills upon the fretful porcupine," and his hat rose three inches above his head. The Senior Warden retired from his position, and tlie Junior Wardeu, in his excitement, called the craft from labor to refreshmeut ; the Treasurer slapped lm-, hand on his pocket-book; the Secretary upset his inkstand; the deacons moved uneasily about, and the Tyler was gard to drop his sword in the anteiv But the joke was too good, ,mil, presently, rising to the occasion, the brethren burst into a roar of laughter which fairly shook the building; after which order was restored, and the lodge was closed in due form until such i time as Mrs. X. will allow Mr. X. to take the second degree.- Bichmond (Mo.) I Conservator.