The weekly Ottumwa courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1857-1872, 1858-06-10

Deceiying Children.

was spending few days with an iItimate e
friend, and never did see more systematic
housewife, and, what then seemed 10 me one who
had SO quiet and complete control over her
child. But the secret of the latter l soon
learned. One evening she wished to spend
with Inc at a neighbors's-it was small So
cial gathering of friends; therefore she was
very desirous Of attending; but her child de-
manded her presence with him, and, hearing
him say his prayers, she said:
"Wilie, did you not see that pretty little
kitten IN the street to-day?o
eyes, did,, he replied, 'I wish had her
wasn't she pretty?"
''Yes, very; how don't you want me to buy
the kitten for you? Perhaps the man will sell
her.''
80, yes mother, do buy her,"
swell. then be good boy while am gone.n
mediately called her back.
''Don't go till morning, then can go with
you: won't you stay?
"No, Willie! the man won': sell if don't
so to-night; so be a good boy"
He said no more, but quietly lay down.
"Is this the way You govern your child ?"
said I, after we had gained the street; .sif you
but knew the injury you are doing, you would
take different course"
,'Injury!" she repeated. "what harm have !
done? did not tell him would see the man
Il only asked him if shouIdo
"But you gave him to understand that yo,
would. He is not old enough to detect the
difference now, but he soon will be. Then
fear you will perceive your error too late
You have yourself grated thorn in the young
rose, which will eventually pierce you most
bitterly. You cannot break off the thorn, OF
club thu point, to make it less piercing. On
your return he will not see the kitten, there
fore you will have to invent another falsehoot
to conceal the first.''
We had now gained our friends door, which
ended our conversation. During the evening
she seemed eayer than usual; my words had
little or no effect upon her. She did not think
her little one was doing all he could to keet
awake to see the coveted kitten on her return
wondering what made smother gone so long. p
1t was late ere reminded her we ought to re.
turn. But little was said during our homewart
su?posing her hoy asleep; but he heard her ane
said ..m. .z .-.-- ,
Smother, is that you? Have you brough
| the kitten? | kept awake to see it, and wa.
so sleepy?"
"No my dear; the man would not sell her. d
"Why Won't he, mother ?'' he asked will
qnivering lips. .....
81 don't know; suppose he wants her t.
catch rats and NICE"
"Dd he say so mother?' .....s
"He did not say just that, but thought h,
meant So"
! 81 did want it so bad MOTHER, The little
lips quivered, and the tears started TO his eyes
He robbed them with his little hands winkine
very fast to keep them back, but they would
come; al lest he fell asleep with the pearly
drops glistening on his rosy cheeks. The
mothers glisfening also. As she krelt to kiss
them away, he murmured softly IN his broken
slumber, 81 Gid want it so bad.' She turned
her dewy eyes toward me saying
"You have led me to seemy error. Never
will l as ain. let what will be the consequence
deceive my child to please myself"
Mother, are yon practising the same decep,
tion? If you are, pause and think of the con.
sequence. ere it is to late. Does it not lesser
your confidence in person when you find ou
they have been deceiving you? Will it moi
also that of your children in ycn, when they
become old enough to detect it ? Besiles, il
would be very strange if they themselves
did not initiate you in things of more impor.
| tance.
Il is The pride aad joy of mothers heart te
gain aud retain the entire confidence OF hel
child, and it is IN her power 70 do so if sh,
bur exercise that power by precept and ex,
ample.-IN. Y. Independent.