Three friends, Smith, Patterson and Abercrombie, die in an accident and arrive at the Pearly Gates.
Now St. Peter says to them, "I'll ask each of you one question, and the answer will decide where in heaven you will live."
So he asks Smith, "How faithful were you to your wife? Now remember, the truthfulness of your answer decides whether you go to hell or come to heaven!"
Smith says,"Your Honour, I met this girl when I was in school, and fell in love. I married her, and haven't looked at another woman since."
So Peter gives him a key, and tells"You are a truthful and honourable man, and you shall live in a palace beyond any on earth".
To Patterson he asks the same question, and receives the answer "Your Honour, I love my wife like life itself, but just this one time I was tempted, and slept with my neighbour's wife. Forgive me."
Peter gives him a key and tells him, "Son of my father, you are but a man, ad your father forives you. Take this key and life as you did in life."
Abercrombie is asked the same question and answers, "Your Honour, I don't want to lie. I am not an honourable man. I have cheated regularly on my wife, with a number of women, and have taken numerous 'Business' trips with my secretary. I know I am not worthy of Heaven, but please forgive me my sins anyway."
Peter tells him, "You have been a sinner indeed, but in the sincerity of your contrition my father has forgiven you. Take this key. You shall have a home befitting of on of your crimes."
So Abercrombie goes into heaven, and finds that he has been allotted a pitiful hut. But he is thankful for receiving at least this much, so he proceeds to take up residence and live as best as he can.
Time passes, and Abercrombie decides to visit Smith and Patterson. He finds Patterson outside a good home, doing the garden, and having a fine time of it.
They talk awhile, and Patterson suggests that they visit Smith.
So they set out, and soon pass into an area of grand palaces and castles, with beautiful gardens and servants running around on various errands.
They finally find Smith's home, a palace so grand that they can barely look at it, with a garden finer than any of those before.
But when they get to the gate, they see Smith sitting at the gate, looking thoroughly miserable.
Being kind men, they ask him what is wrong and offer to give what help they can.
Smith tells them, "My good kind friends, I went for a walk this morning, and Smith, I saw your lovely home. Abercrombie, I even passed your humble abode.But wishing to see more, I walked on, and presently cam upon the meanest of huts - so mean as to be almost caves."
Patterson says, "That is all very good, Smith, but why are you so sad?"
And Smith replies,
"My wife was living in the worst of them!" :twisted: