The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1914-04-02
: Mr.. BENSoN's DIPLOMACY
BY JULIE LiNDoUIsT.

Mrs. j. Perkins Benson knew pre-
cisely what she wanted and usually
managed to get 1t. j. Perkins Benson
was of like mind. So when Benson
met Benson the tug Of war was on
Mrs. Benson was large, capable and
in perfect health. J. Perkins was
healthy enough, but he had nothing to
boast of in the matter of size. Both
had determination to positively pain
full degree.
Benson had to leave the house rath.
er early to get to the office on time.
Only after prolonged argument had he
managed to convince Mrs. Benson Of
the many benefits to be gained by a
residence so far from town, and even
after he had finished his argument she
did not seem more than half con
vinced. However, Mrs. Benson found
no difficulty In remembering most OF
the things her husband had said upon
that occasion. She frequently took
pains to recall to his mind some Of his
promises, and between times she as
serted over and over again that she
would never, under any conditions
agree to fix the furnace fire. You'll
just have to get up little bit earlier"
she concluded, calmly.
Benson felt that he ought not to be
expected to fix the furnace fire when
he hardly had time to catch his train,
but no amount of argument and ca.
jolery could influence Mrs. Benson. So
Benson decided to try something else.
One cold morning he got out of bed
at the usual time, but arrived at the
railroad station five minutes earlier
than usual. This was because he had
walked gayly out Of his own front door
at all that morning. And as he tripped
down the front steps he had called
lightly back over his shoulder: ooh,
by the way, Myra. forgot to fix the
furnace. If you don't want to freeze
you'll have to break your rule for
once"
When Benson arrived at the Office
he was whistling and he seemed SO
excessively cheerful that Simpson, his
office neighbor, went over to inquire:
whats up, Perk? Get raiser"
Benson did dance step or two.
Away, away, base varlet!" he replied.
blithely. Away and serve, If you will,
the woman who Is both your wife and
your ruler. AS for me, bow to the
dictates of no female! L" He paused
to clap Simpson on the back heavily.
Il shook off the chains of slavery this
morning, ira la, ira la. l defed my
wife on my own stoop, and she has to
fix the furnace fire every morning
from now on"
Simpson seemed impressed. 81 wish
I had your nerve" he said, but 1t
wouldn't DO me any good to try
stunt like that with my wife. Not so
that you could notice it," He went
back to his own desk wondering If
Benson had won out as easily as he
supposed.
When Benson reached home that
evening he found the dinner awaiting
him as usual, and it was a good din
ner. But his wife was getting it ready
In her winter wraps-she had on her
heavy cloak and scarf was wound
round her head and throat. She wore
a pair Of kid gloves when she sat down
at the table. The house was as cold
as the grave. Benson sat down oppo-
site his wife and tried to eat. But he
was ashamed to put on his overcoat
and it was altogether too cold to en-
joy the dinner in any other garb. So
he hurried over his favorite dishes,
then got up and began to pace the
floor. Mrs. Benson did not offer any
comment. She sat perfectly quiet and
her conduct was as chilly as the
house.
Next morning Benson was an hour
late at the Office. AS he went to his
desk after hanging up his hat and
coat Simpson got up and went to meet
him. 1t was evident that Simpson
had been thinking over the converse
ton of yesterday and had come for
more details.
We'll" he began, fire going this
Perk? And did it take you
an hour to persuade her to fix it,"
Benson looked not in the least en-
You mean did l fix the
fire?" he retorted. II told you, didn't |,
that l meant to fix that fire no more?
Well, all I've got to say is that l did
not fix it,"
Wife fix it?" persisted Simpson.
And is she going to fix 1t every morn
ing after this?"
Not exactly" replied Benson. I'VE
Compromised" questioned Simp-
son, grnning. How on earth did
you"
"Oh, suppose l might as well tell
you now as any time. l had to use
diplomacy, that's all. 1t was the only
way in which we could both retain our
| had to allow as much
as that, didn't II"
THAT doesn't answer my question:"
persisted Simpson. Come across,
now How did you settle it,"
Easiest thing In the world" ex-
planned Benson, waving his hand air
ly. Il went this morning and rented
/ steam-heated fat here In town.