Warding Off a Catastrophe
Reading edition
A fat woman entered a crowded street car and, seizing a strap, stood directly in front of a man seated in the corner. As the car started she lunged against his newspaper and at the same time trod heavily on his toes.
As soon as he could extricate himself he rose and offered her his seat.
“You are very kind, sir,” she said, panting for breath.
“Not at all, madam,” he replied; “it’s not kindness; it’s simply self-defense.”