Pedagog," he said, as soon as he could speak, "you are
just dead right about that. That's the place of places for me. Salary
and nothing to do! Oh, how I'd love it!"
The rest of the breakfast was eaten in silence. The spring chickens were
too good and too plentiful to admit of much waste of time in
conversation. At the conclusion of the meal the Idiot rose from the
table, and, after again congratulating Mr. Pedagog and his fiancee,
announced that he was going to see his employer.
"On Sunday?" queried Mrs. Smithers.
"Yes; I want him to write me a recommendation as a man who can do
nothing beautifully."
"And why, pray?" asked Mr. Pedagog.
"I'm going to apply to the Trustees of Columbia College the first thing
to-morrow morning for an Emeritus Professorship, for if anybody can do
nothing and draw money for it gracefully I'm the man. Wall Street is too
wearing on my nerves," he replied.
And in a moment he was gone.
"I _like_ him," said Mrs. Smithers.
"So do I," said Mr. Pedagog. "He isn't half the idiot he thinks he is."
THE END
By LILIAN BELL
A Little Sister to the Wilderness. A Novel. New Edition. 16mo, Cloth,
Ornamental, Uncut Edges and Gilt Top, $1 25.
The story is a pathetic one in many ways, for it portrays so
strongly human lowliness and degradation. The writer is well
acquainted with the life and habits and dialect of the West
Tennessee bottoms, and her story is written from the heart and with
rare sympathy.
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