Ladysmith news-budget. [volume] (Ladysmith, Rusk County, Wis.) 1907-1927, 1907-09-26
The Debt Of Honor
tBy III. r.. Goodwin

Scene: Mrs. Stockson's fiat. Mrs
vikings, who has just called, was out
shopping with Mrs. Stockson a month
previously, and paid small bill for
her amounting to OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES
Mrs. Vikings, having waited some
time to give Mrs. Stockson the chance
of settling up of her own accord, has
now decided to drop gentle hint by
way of refreshing Mrs. Stockson's
memory.
Mrs. Stockson greeting her visitor
| effusively)-Oh it is SO good OF you
to call, dear. You haven't been near
| inc for suite long time. / began to
! be afraid had offended you.
Mrs. Wilkings-What an absurd
idea! We have been knowing each
other too long for that | should hope,
dear, l was only thinking yesterday
what a pleasant time we had shopping
together little while ago.
Mrs. Stockson-Wasn't it lovely!
We must really go and have another
round together. Witty & Watt have
got a sale on, and l hear the bargains
are wonderful. And | want some Gre
tonnes and some short curtains
Mrs. Vikings (seizing the opportu-
nifty you bought some short cur
tains at Brown & Thompson's last
month with mel remember that dls-
tinctly, because
Mrs. Stockson-Oh, those things.
They have worn shockingly. They
went threabare the first time tney
were washed. I forget what paid for
them, but
Mrs Wilkings-It was eight-and-
ninepence. l am sure of that, because
If you remember
Mrs. Stockson-Did I give as much
as that for them? Well, shan't go to
Brown & 'Thompson's again in hurry.
But | had so many things to buy that
day that l was ready to take almost
anything they gave me at the time
it's a great mistake, and shan't-
Mrs. Wilkings-Yes. | remember
your saying you had spent nearly all
your money but the curtains looked
so cheap
sorry | bought them now. However,
it's no use crying over split milk, is IT.,
dear?
Mrs. Wilkins (sticking to her guns)
and so went up to the cash desk
and paid for them.
Mrs. Stockson-Oh, yes, that was
very kind of you, dear. remember
had so many packages to carry
couldn't get to my purse.
Mrs. Wilkins (affecting to be DOUBT
full on the poinD-Let me see, did you
pay me again when we came out OF the
shop?
Mrs. Stockson-Of course, | must
have done so, surely. | could never
overlook a matter of that kind.
Mrs. Wilkins = But you remember
YOU had your arms full of parcels SO
that YOU couldn't get to your purse
and when we got on the bus you salo
to me-
Mrs. Stockson-Yes, you paid the
fares, didn't you? But then pald
them going down, SO that makes u
quits, doesn't it?
Mrs. Wilkings-Oh, don't know,
we're quits about the fares, but l
couldn't remember you're paying me
the eight and-ninepence, and
Mrs. Stockson-But, my dear, / III
ALWAYS so careful about money mat
ters | wouldn't owe anybody anything
for worlds.
Mrs. Vikings Ga little desperate at
the prospect of losing her money!
Well, it's a funny thing that when |
got home I should have found that l
was lust Observation-Disclosures snorI'
isn't it, dear?
Mrs. Stockson-My dear, do you
mean to say that you think | owe you
Acknowledgements? Of course, II you
really thing so, I'll pay it to you AGAIN,
rather than
Mrs. Wilkins-My dear, it isn't pay
ing it again. l think you'll find you
haven't paid it once yet But, OF
course. il you don't think you owe II
to me
Mrs. Stockson-Oh, if you say 40
nv dear, | shall pay it. | couldn't nave
anybody think that | owed them any
thing that | wanted to get out OF pay
ing.
"opens her purse).
Mrs Wilkings-Oh, but don't want
to take the money unless you're quite
satisfied about it. I'm perfectly sure
in my own mind.
Mrs Stockson-Well, If you're sure,
dear. that's enough. I can only say
| that 7 have no recollection about it at
all And I'm most particular in these
| matters, because, | llnow-iet me See
Acknowledgements, you say. here
nine shillings Have you got any
change? (Handing her the money!.
Mrs. Wilkings-Oh, yes; I've go'
three coppers. (Taking the money
and giving the change). | hope you re
satisfied about it, dear, as Ia much
rather not take it If you've any doup'
about it's being owing.
Mrs. Stockson Ca little stitf1y)-on
I'd rather pay it, thank you, dear
dare say it's all right. Only 1t does
Seem little strange that | sEoulu
have forgotten all about 1t, doesnt II!
Mrs. Wilkings-Oh, you've had sc
MANY other things to think OF and
CA servant announces Mrs. Iatele
| tom.
Mrs. Stockson Greeting the new ar
riyal-So pleased to see you' GEAR
You know Mrs. Vikings, think. NO:
oh I beg your pardon. INTRODUCES
them).
Mrs. Vikings Ito Mrs. Stockson)-
Well, dear, l must be going. I've al
/ .oody ctavad too long (IakeS loaVe