Rensselaer Republican, Volume 18, Number 35, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 5 May 1886 — He Didn’t Say Grace. [ARTICLE]

He Didn’t Say Grace.

There’s a sad and mournful air about the landlady of a boarding house up town. She is a most estimable woman, and she is very particular about lier boarders. “I’m so glad,” she Baid one day before dinner; “I’ve let my front room up-stairs to such a nice man.” “What is l.e likeasked an old maid in ringlets, with great curiosity. “Well, he’s very quiet” “How old is he?” "About forty, I suppose.” “What is he?” “I haven’t asked /aim, but I think he is a minister.” The dinner was just about to begin when the new boarder came in. He was most unquestionably a clerical gentleman. His face, and dress, and demeanor all showed it. He was quiet, solemn, and subdued, and the usual ribaldry of the irreverent meSi-destroy-ers was hushed. They took their seats at the table iu solemn silence. “Before we dine,” said the landlady to the clerical gentleman, “will you say grace?” . . . . “What did you say?” he asked. “Will you say grace?” “I beg your pardon. ” “I would like you to say grace. ” “You must excuse me, but I’m so deaf I can't hear a word.” And the dinner went on without grace.— San Francisco Chronicle.