University of Virginia Library

4. BREAKING IT GENTLY.

“Yes, I remember that anecdote,” the
Sunday school superintendent said, with
the old pathos in his voice, and the old sad
look in his eyes. “It was about a simple
creature named Higgins, that used to haul
rock for old Maltby. When the lamented
Judge Bagley tripped and fell down the
court-house stairs and broke his neck, it
was a great question how to break the
news to poor Mrs. Bagley. But finally the
body was put into Higgins's wagon, and
he was instructed to take it to Mrs. B., but
to be very guarded and discreet in his language,
and not break the news to her at
once, but do it gradually and gently.
When Higgins got there with his sad
freight, he shouted till Mrs. Bagley came
to the door.

Then he said, “Does the widder Bagley
live here?”

“The widow Bagley? No, sir!”

“I'll bet she does. But have it your
own way. Well, does Judge Bagley live
here?”

“Yes, Judge Bagley lives here.”

“I'll bet he don't. But never mind, it
ain't for me to contradict. Is the Judge
in?”

“No, not at present.”

“I jest expected as much. Because,
you know — take hold o'suthin, mum, for
I'm a-going to make a little communication,
and I reckon maybe it'll jar you some.
There's been an accident, mum. I've got
the old Judge curled up out here in the
wagon, and when you see him you'll acknowledge
yourself that an inquest is
about the only thing that could be a comfort
to him!”