8 The Lost Idea

So Timothy turned very sadly away,
muttering, “That Idea was the best thing
I ever had in my life!” and crawled dismally
home.

“Why, Tim, dear, you don’t seem well!”
said his wife.

“Tve lost my Idea!” said Timothy, with
tears in his eyes,

“Well, never mind,” said Mrs. Timothy,
‘you'll soon get another.”

“ Get another!” said Timothy indignantly.
“Why, it’s the only Idea I have ever got in
my life ; and it was such a beauty—so bright
and round, and beautiful to touch! There
isn't another like it in the village! And now
I’ve lost it, and don’t know what it was
about; and I can’t eat my tea!”

All the next day Timothy neglected his
boot-making, and searched on the river-bank
for his Idea.

“It was so brilliant!” he said dismally.

“Then how is it that you don’t see it
glittering?” asked his wife.

“ Be quiet, woman!” said Timothy angrily.
‘Women have no reason!”