The Late Mr. Peddington - Recap

Mortician Thaddeus Conway meets a new client, Mrs. Cora Peddington, who is shopping for the most cost efficient funeral she can afford. Mrs. Peddington explains that she has to economize under the terms of her late husband's will. The will stipulates that the widow must live on the value of her husband's life insurance policy, $2,000, for two years before she can inherit the remainder of his estate. The life insurance policy has a double indemnity clause that increases the value to $4,000 if the cause of death was accidental.

Mrs. Peddington tells Conway that her husband died as a result of a ten-story fall from their apartment. Unbeknown to the deceased, Mrs. Peddington had their 10th floor balcony removed for repairs and she didn't let him know, unfortunately.

Because of the need to economize, Mrs. Peddington has to forego the basic necessities, including the funeral service and the regulation-size casket. In fact, she even suggests that her husband be cremated in the very clothing he was wearing when he fell. Much to his consternation, Conway reluctantly agrees.

Afterward, Conway is in his office tossing back a stiff drink, which he sorely needs after this encounter with Mrs. Peddington. He is discussing the details with his assistant, John, who doesn't understand why Mrs. Peddington didn't confirm that she would utilize their services. Conway explains that although she will eventually, Mrs. Peddington hasn't yet confirmed for two reasons.

First, she had to make sure that she could afford even the cheapest burial service under the terms of her husband's will. Secondly, Conway explains that Mrs. Peddington has to go home, remove the balcony, and send her skinflint husband rocketing to a violent, screaming death.

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