Democratic Sentinel, Volume 16, Number 48, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 16 December 1892 — CHANGED HIS MIND. [ARTICLE]

CHANGED HIS MIND.

Uni the Advent of the Dog Gave Him e Pained Expression. The noticeable interval of erstwhila white cloth between his trousers and his vest betokened a considerable degree of indifference to the conventionalities of the world. His face indicated a prolonged estrangement from ablutionary agencies. “Madam,” he affably remarked to the stout woman with a soiled apron, who had come to the door in response to his knock, “you doubtless recognize me.” The stout woman nodded grimly. “I was here this morning, you will recall, madam.” The stout woman contemplated him in severe immobility. “I wish to announoe as a preliminary postulate ” He assumed an easy air and leaned lightly against the door frame. “The scriptural declaration that the wise man changeth his mind, but the fool is perverse In his judgment.” He cleared his throat. “I dare say ..madam ” The woman with the soiled apron suffered her lower jaw to drop slightly. “ You will have no difficulty in remembering that you offered me this morning a piece of rye bread and a cold frankfurter. ” The woman closed her mouth decisively, but made no sign either or affirmation or denial. “Madam, that piece of rye bread and cold frankfurter I refused with scorn.” He gazed reflectively at the floor. "I am free to confess, madam, that in the excess of my disappointment I had it in my heart to utter contumelious sentiments relative to the food you gave me, but ” He coughed faintly. “Madam, I wish to act the part of wisdom. ” He paused. “Well?” The stout woman’s inflections were incisively interrogatory. “Madam ” He bowed. “I wish to reconsider my refusal, and ” “Sick 'em, Towser!” The sun set on a scene of peace, but the man, with the interval of erstwhile white cloth between his trousers and his vest was far away, wearing a pained expression on his face, as if something had gone amiss with him.