The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1844-05-03
LO VISA 81 MONS,
OR THE ADVANTAGES OF APPLICATION
BY MRS. c. GILMAN.


LOUISA SIMoNs was bright intelligent girl o
fourteen; amiable and ambitious; the joy of he
parents, .and the pride of her teachers; and fa
advanced in all her studies except arithmetic.
sob, mother" she exclaimed frequently, .'th.
is the day for the black board; black day 10 me
l hate arithmetic! I wish the multiplication table
had never heen invented! There is not such an
expressive verse in the world as the old one!
Multiplication is vexaton;
| Division is as bad;
The Rule of Three doth puzzle me,
| And Practice makes me madP"
Mrs. Simons sometimes reproved her for her
vehemence; sometimes soothed, and sometimes
encouraged her; but finding her more and more
excited, she addressed her one day, gravely and
and anxiously
'My daughter, you make me unhappy by those
expressions. am aware that many minds are SO
constituted as to learn numbers slowly; but that
close attention and perseverance can conquer even
natural defects has been often proved. If you pass
over rule carelessy, and sag you comprehend it,
from want of energy to grasp it, you will never
learn, and your black days, when you become a
woman, and have responsibilities, will increase.
speak feelingy on the subject, for had the same
natural aversion to arithmetic as yourself UDfor.
tunately for me, a schoolmate quick at figures
shared my desk; we had no black-bo then, and
she was kind, or unkind, enough TO work out my
sums for me. The consequence is, that have
suffered repeatedly in my purse, and in my feelings
from r
apply to your father in the most trlng calculations,
and you must sometimes have noticed my mortii-
under such circumstances.
81 look to you for assistance" continued she
affectionately to Louisa. "You have every advan-
tage; your mind is active, and in other respects
disciplined, and I am sure your good heart will
prompt you in aiding me.''
Louisa's eyes looked good resoluton-she
kissed her mother, and commenced her lessons
with the right feelings. Instead OF being angry
with her teacher and herself. because every thing
was not plain, she tried to clear her brow, and
attend 10 the subject calmly.
Success crowned her efforts, while, added to the
pleasures of acquisition, she began to experience
the higher joy of selfconquest, and her mothers
appreciation. She gave herself up for two years
to diligent study, and conquered at length the
higher branches of arithmetic.
Louisa, the eldest of three children, had been
born to the luxuries of wealth, and scarcely an
ungratifed want had shaded her sunny brow.
Mr.. Simons was merchant of considerable
connexions, but, in the height of his prosper
ity, one of those failures took place which occur
in commerce, and his affairs became suddenly
involved in the shock which is often felt so far
in the mercantile chain A nervous temperament
and delicate system, were soon sadly wrought upon
by the misfortune, and his mind, perplexed and
harrassed, seemed to lose its cearness in calcula-
ton, and its happy view of life. Louisa was at
this period seventeen years of age; her understand
ing clear and vigorous, her passions disciplined
add her faculties resting, like young fawn, ready
for a sudden bound.
1t was cold autumn evening; the children were
beguiling themselves with wild gambols about the
parlor; Mr.. Simons sat leaning his head upon his
hand, gazing on dn accumulated pile of ledgers
and papers; Mrs Slmons was busily sewing, and
Louisa, with her finger between the leaves of a
closed book, sat anxiously regarding her father
"These children distract me-" said Mr. Simons,
peevishly.
"Hush, Robert! Come here, Margaret said
Mrs Simons, gently; and taking one on her lap,
and another by her side, whispered little story
and put them to bed.
When Mrs. Simons left the room, Louisa laid
aside her book, and stood by her father.
''Don't disturb me, child" said he roughly
Then recollecting himself, he waved his hand
gently for her to retire, and continued, ,''do not feel
hurt, dear, with my abruptness. l am perplexed
with these complicated accounts"
"Father," said Louisa, hesitatingy, and blush
ing, 81 think could assist you if you would per-
init me.''
"No, my love" exclaimed he, laughing, "these
papers would puzzle deeper head than yours.
81 do not wish 10 boast, dear father" said Loui
sa, modesty; "but when Mr.. Random gave me my
last lesson, he said"
-"What did he sayl" asked Mr.. Simons, en-
couragingly.
"He said," answered Louisa, blushing more
deeply, "that I was better accountant than most
merchants. And do believe, father, !" continued
she, ''that if you would allow me, l could assist
you"
Mr.. Simons smiled sadly; but to encourage her
desire Of usefulness opened his accounts. Insen-
sibly he found his daughter following him in the
labyrinth of numbers.
Louisa, with fixed look and clear eye, her
cheek kindling with interest and her pencil in her
hand, listened to him. Mrs. Simons entered on
tiptoe and seated herself softly at her sewing.
The accounts became more and more complicated.
Mr.. Simons, with his practised habits, and Louisa,
with her quick intellect and ready will, followed
them up with fidelity. The unexpected mpathy
Of his daughter, gave him new life Time flew
undecided, and the clock struck twelve
"Wife," said he, suddenly, "matters are not as