A little too willing.
--The following little scene occurred not a thousand miles from our whereabouts:Enthusiastic individual volunteers for the war; wonders what effect it will have upon his wife; goes home to impart the direful intelligence to his devoted wife; expects any amount of sobs; shrieks, &c., from devoted wife:
Husband, timidly--"Well, Molly, I've got something to tell you — something that won't exactly please you--"
Wife.--"Oh, well, Thomas! out with it."
Husband.--"The fact is, Molly, I — L--; but first promise me that you won't cry."
Wife.--"I won't cry, Thomas, unless it is very bad."
Husband.--"Well, Molly, I — I — I am going to the wars with Capt. --'s company; now don't take on, my cherished anyell"
Wife.--"Oh, no, Thomas, I won't! I'm satisfied and much pleased at your determination. I can take care of myself while you are gone."
Husband.--astounded at wife's indifference--"And you are willing that I shall go and leave you unprotected?"
Wife.--composedly--"Certainly, perfectly willing. I can take care of myself; don't be alarmed on my account."
Husband.--thinks he smells a rat.--"You say that you are perfectly willing, that I shall go and fight in my country's defence?"
Wife.--"Yes, Thomas; what can be more noble than to die in the defence of one's country?"
Husband.--to whom the idea of dying never occurred--"And you tell me coolly and dispassionately that you are willing that I shall go?"
Wife.--"Yes, Thomas, perfectly willing."
Husband — starting up in a rage.--"Well, Molly, all that I have to say is, that you are a little too d--d willing."
And Thomas joined the Home Guards.
