Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1904-12-28

We'll get at it straight this time"
said Mrs. Hardy, as she procured pencil
and paper and requested him to answer
all questions as asked. When she had
finished examining him as to his weekly
programme of life, she said: Now let
me read you what | have:
monday night-thcater, usually.
Tuesday night-club.
"wednesday night-club.
Thursday nght-secret society.
Friday night-club.
Saturday night another secret So
ciety
Sunday miscellaneous dates; occa
sionally at home
Hardy had to laugh at the way he
was being handled.
Now, said Mrs. Hardy, triumphantly,
where do | come III? How many even
ings do you spend with me? Only one,
ard that at the theater. Now, let's see
how much time you actually spend at
home"
She figured rapidly for few seconds
and then announced:
Barely one-third of your time, Sun
days included, is spent at home. In
other words, YOU dine here sleep here
a few hours in the early morning and
pass a few minutes here at breakfast. I
don't think it's being a bit nice to me.
Jack, to say nothing of the injury it is
doing your health. Now. then. here is
a programme which | wish to substitute
for your present one:
Monday night-theater.
Tuesday mght-club
"wednesday night-home
Thursday night-secret society.
Friday night-home, possibly theater
Saturday night-home.
"Sunday-home and church.
Retire each night not later than r.
"Be at office each morning not later
than $3.50"
Hardy did not surrender without a
struggle, but Mrs. Hardy was determined.
so at last he pledged himself to live up
to her programme for one month, be-
ginning Jan. l.
Hardy's business required his guiding
presence each morning as early as 9
o'clock, but he was rarely in his office
at that hour. His clerks were accus-
toned to seeing him rush in about 10,
frequently later, and throw the office
nto an uproar, and when ON the morn
nc of January he arrived promptly at
8, and in quiet and evident good spirits,
his face showing signs of having been
permitted to go to sleep for a proper
length of time, they. exchanged anxious
glances. AS soon as Hardy went out his
conduct was freely discussed One or
two attributed the change to- New Year,
but the majority were apprehensive of
trouble
Hardy continued to come to his office
at sharp, all the while his face grow
iDg ruddier and his disposition SUMNER
In two weeks the new spirit had entirely
| Oervaded the Office. Business went with
a vim that was contagious. 1t was all
the talk on Hardy7s floor in the big office
! building
| Bot Hardy was having a hard time,
Notwithstanding the fact that surface
! indications were to the contrary The
| worse tug came at night. His evening
at the club new year week was. in a
way, memorable. At 1890 he abruptly
| broke away from one of the most select
circles that exclusive place afforded; and
announced that he would have to be off.
An engagement" was his explanation
/ to the many queries. When he was gone
| it was the subject of conversation. He
bad never beeIi KNOWN to do anything like
that since he lad been a member of the
club. He did not show up again that
| week, and the following Monday a self
constituted committee of three iOvial
spirits called at his Office to ascertain
what was wrong. The idea of a New
Year resolution lodging in Hardy was
| never suspected, SO his plea of being over
whelmed with business was accepted, but
It was far from satisfactory, and he was
duly impressed with how difficult it was
for them to get along without him.
Hardy had to confess to himself that
there was "a difference all around" as
he expressed it, The passing remark ON
the street, you're looking fne!" was
getting common. He was not only feel
ing and looking better, he was doing bet
ter. His business had picked up sur
)risinely. One day he cleaned up $4,000
n close transaction, and his friends
opened their eyes.
On Jan. 81, before leaving his office,
Hardy got ready to square accounts at
home. While thinking it over he jotted
down a list of the things to the good,
which was as follows
Feel 20 per cent better
Weigh nearly five pounds more.
Business increased.
Worth $4,000 more than expected.
Having jolly time at home
That night, after dinner. Hardy waited
mpatiently for Mrs. Hardy to bring up
the subject. 1t had not been referred to
N any way since the evening of Deem
'er 81. it having been a part of the com
oact that it should not be mentioned
"Woll, Jack" said Mrs. Hardy, Z sup
oose you'll wait up until midnight and
tart out as soon as the last minute of
anuarv is gCne?"
"0h, l don't know was the reply