Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 35, Number 14, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 17 October 1902 — AN EASY PROBLEM. [ARTICLE]

AN EASY PROBLEM.

Peculiar Figuring of an Indolent Village Couple* Hubbard Lawton, familiarly known as "Hub,” was by common consent the most shiftless man in Pineville. He had been known to “saw and split” in a desultory way for a few of the summer visitors, but beyond that Hub and labor were strangers. The most easy-going woman in the town was Lucy Harmon, who did a little dressmaking when the fit seized her; but as a rule she sat tranquilly on her front doorstep In summer, and In her front window during spring, autumn and winter, doing nothing whatever with great contentment of mind and body. Hub required financial aid from his relatives every month, and it was understood that Lucy received contributions from her neighbors without any false pride. When it was announced by Hub that lie and Lucy were soon to be married, a plain-spoken neighbor asked a pointed question. “How are you and Lucy expecting to live?” shd inquired. “Who's going to earn your bread and butter. Hub? Lucy’s folks nor her neighbors won’t feel anj call to feed her when she’s Married to an able-bodied man." “■Why,” said Hub, reproachfully, “I don't know what folks are thinking of? Half a dozen people have me that same question. I can almost support my sal f, and Lucy Can almost support herself, and I should think .anybody with a head for Aggers could see that when we jine forces there'll bo something left over for a rainy day."