HERE once lived a man who was so covetous that all who knew him despised him with all their heart, either openly or secretly. He was one of those men who would be glad to put their wives and children, or their old shoes, or worn-out clothes, out on high interest. When his wife died, and he needed some one to attend his house, he decided to choose another wife. His desire was, above all, to find one who would eat as little as possible—namely, one-fourth of a pea each day. She could under no circumstances have more, for things must be saved up and kept in store.

At length he found a woman who promised to marry him, declaring that one-fourth of a pea every day would satisfy her hunger abundantly.

When about a month had passed, the man thought it singular that she was looking as stout and well as when she came. He wondered how she could live on so little. We understand, of course, that he was careful to reserve for himself all that he wished.