Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 20, Number 39, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 17 January 1899 — AGREEABLY DISAPPOINTED. [ARTICLE]

AGREEABLY DISAPPOINTED.

He Thought She Wax Be*<ln*. But She Merely Wanted the Mustard. One of the richest men living, whose immense wealth makes him a target for poor people, has recently been in Paris end the way in which he repelled one of the applicants for his generosity is related like this, says the Pittsburgh Dispatch: On the opposite side of the hotel table sat a woman who had once been rich. “Monsieur, you Englishmen are so chivalrous —so ready to assist those in distress.” “Yes,” said the man of wealth, hesitating. He had heard that before and thought he knew what was coming next. “Would you, with your usual generosity, do me a favor and a great kindness?” “Yes, madam—that is, it depends somewhat —” “Think well, monsieur, before youi promise, for it is a great kindness.” It was the same old plea that he had heard many times before from people who wanted a loan. “I am afraid, madam, that I shall have to—but what is it you wish?” “Only that you kind enough, monsieur, to pass me the mustard. You have everything on your side of the table.”