Norwich bulletin., 1912-03-30
FROM LION TO LAMB

store in the village, and their price was added to the book account which Erastus never allowed to accumulate, for he had a horror of being in debt. He paid the bill when 1t was presented, but went home in a fine rage. His first wife, he said, paid for all such things with eggs and butter.
 Very well,'' replied Miranda, 'Tll send them to the store if you prefer" and to the store they went, but Bras tus found no butter on the table, and the supply of cakes and pies fell alarm ingly short. Now, as has been said, | Miranda was an admirable pastry cook, and when Erastus hinted that he miss ed his custard and squash pies, the 1 shreWd woman told him with a sigh, that they were too poor to afford them, for all the eggs and butter had to go to the store.
 ! T guess we are not so poor as that, 1 snapped Erastus, "Use the stuff at l home after this when you like" and, with an inward smile, she did as di- rected.
 | Possessed of fine timber land only a scanty supply of inferior and crooked wood was brought to the house, and no i fire was allowed outside the kitchen. | One fire was all they needed, the stinGy man said. One day when the lord of the mansion came home for dinner there 1 was no fire in the kitchen stove, and he was told to take 8 cold lunch in the pantry for she had to have fire in the sitting room, and there wasn't wood enough for more than one fire This statement was received in silence, for | a wonder, but a good supply of wood was on hand in future
 Miranda felt encouraged and made another venture. The following Sun day notice was given from the pulpit 1 that the Dorcas society would hold i their next session with Mrs Erastus | Tompkins, A ripple of surprise went about the congregation while Erastus grasped in dismay at the unexpected i tidings. But he had learned by this time that he no longer controlled all the affairs at home, and kept silence till they were driving home after meet l ing. Then he said:
 What are you thinking of, Miranda ? 1 I've always declared I'd not have that lot of women in the house, and it will cost a great deal, too"
 I'm afraid 1t cannot be helped now" was the quiet reply. Tt was my turn to entertain them, and wanted them to see what a generous husband l have. They all say you are close end stingy, but they will change their minds, am sure.'
 They say so, do they?'' erowled Erastus, well, we'll shom them. Be sure your spread is as good as you get anywhere. Close and stingy, indeed!''
 The Dorcas society came, saw, and i commented as they went away. That man is completely made over. Mi randa has done wonders with him
 But greater things than these show ed Mrs. Tompkin's skilful management A new sleigh took the place of the shabby old rattle-trap of former times as Erastus was led to notice that his was the worst-looking of all in the church shed
 A well-lighted and warmed house greeted all who came on friendly or
 business calls and entrusted the
 present cheer with the former dreari- ness. Best of all a Christmas do-
 nation to the person showed how com
 plete was the change in the man, who
 had. openly boasted that Christmas presents were a foolish waste ot money.
 The more he gave the happier he be-
 came in giving and Miranda felt that
 her woman's wit had conquered. and
 all had been done without strife. AN IDLER,