Merit

Mrs. Rafferty stopped to address Mrs. Flannagan, who was standing at ease in the door of the tenement. She spoke with an air of fine pride:

“I’m afther havin’ a letter from me boy. He tells me that fer meritorious condooct, his sintince will be reduced six months.”

Mrs. Flannagan beamed appreciatively on hearing the glad tidings.

“Sure, now, an’ what a comfort it must be t’ yez, havin’ a son what does ye such credit.”