Deep Waters

Messrs Birch and Tibshott have arranged a fishing contest, the winner of which is to receive the hand of the widowed Mrs Cridling. Should neither of them make a catch the prize will go to a certain Mr Timson. The apparent disinterest of Mrs Cridling shocks her friend Mrs Plack, and also Miss Birch and Miss Tibshott, sisters of the contestants who disapprove of this method of arranging a marriage. The result of the contest is brought in by a breathless maid, who announces that neither of the men has caught a fish. Mrs Cridling is quite satisfied to marry Mr Timson and everyone is pleased. The two sisters confide in each other afterwards, revealing how one advised her brother to use no bait, and the other to use no hook.