Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1860-10-19

ing onethe floor, as l live! And what is
more, he will keep at it in spite of threat
or punishment Now, what am l to do
with such boy, aunt Rachel? I've
tried everything, but it's of no use."
Suppose, Bella, you let him come
down and see me. Perhaps that will get
him out of his present unhappy state of
mind"
But, aunt" objected the mother,
don't you see that he would then con-
slider himself as having triumphed Z"
am not sure that he would think
anything about it. He would come into
better state Of mind than the one that
is now ruling him and this, it seems to
me, would be something gained. 1t is
in the sunshine that good affections grow,
not in storm and darkness"
Bella sat refe citing for some time
She did not like the idea of yielding to
her rebellious child in the smallest de-
gree. Pride and love Of rule influenced
her as much as sense of duty, perhaps
little more. In giving up, she felt
that she must experience degree of hu-
initiation.
Forgive him this time, for my sake"
urged aunt Rachel 81 shall not enjoy
my visit if he is under punishment all
the afternoon"
After further debate with herself,
the mother left the room and went up to
her imprisoned boy. He was pounding
on the floor when she turned the key and
entered
edward -
She spoke sternly. The little fellow
started up with look half defiant
!" You are a very naughty boy"
Edward set his lips firmly, and knit
his fair young brow.
" How dare you pound on the floor af-
ter | had forbidden it?"
Edward moved back step or two
There was danger in his mothers eyes.
Why don't you answer me when l
speak p
Il couldn't help it," stammered the
child.
" Couldn't help it ! Amt you afraid
to give me such an answer p and hand
moved, half Involuntary, as if blow
was about to follow.
"Aunt Rachel is down stairs"
ooh, is she 2" Two little hands came
together with sound like kiss, and
waves of sunshine swept suddenly over a
face thar was dark and stormy moment
before.
i've great mind not to let you see
her, after all this bad behavior"
The mother could not forgive him. -
Instantly the smile went out from Ed
wards face but he looked neither peni-
tent nor deprecating. She turned from
him as though she would leave him still
in prison but there was no sign of
weakncss-only the disfguring scowl on
his face that made it SO painful to look
upon.
Come" The mother coldly extend
ed her hand. Edward advanced toward
her with slow steps, and giving his hand
in a reluctant manner, as if there were
no pleasure for him in the touch, followed
half behind her, down into the sitting
room.
" Here's that naughty boy" This
was Edward sintroduction to his mothers
aunt. :" Now don't pout your lips after
that fashion p was added reprovingly.-|
kiss aunt Rachel"
Edward wanted to throw his arms
about aunt RachePs neck, and kiss her
to his hearts content: but the reproof
and command sent an evil spirit of resist
ance into him, and he merely put up his
lips with an air which said to his mother,
who did not sec bis face, Il don't want
to kiss her." But aunt Rachel saw love
in his eyes.
If you can't behave better. go up
stairs again"
ooh, he's behaving nicely" said aunt
Rachel, as she drew an arm around the
boy; and then she began to talk to him
in way that soon commanded all his at
tention. But his mother would give him
no peace. 1t was
Don't ride on your aunt in that way"
or
just see there, you rude fellow,
your feet are on aunt Rachels dress
Or
" Don't twist your shoulders so )" or
You had better 60 away from aunt
Rachel; you are annoying her."
a" Not in the least, aunt Rachel re-
piled to this, drawing her loving arms
about the pleased child, in whose bright
face she read volume of golden prom
Use, if there were only wise hand to
turn the leaves.
But half an hour did not pass before
Edward and his mother came into direct
collision, and he was sent, in disgrace,
from the room.
Now, what am ! to do, aunt Rachel?"
said the mother, 10 a half-despairing
voice. You see what self-willed,
disobedient, reckless boy he is. How he
resists me in everything What am |
to do?"
Learn the FIRST lesson in governing
Others" replied aunt Rachel, with con-
siderable gravity Of manner.
What is that p asked her niece.
ITO govern yourself"
"Aunt Rachel p
II mean just what | say; and until
you learn to do tbs, you will strive in
vain with your child. Anger awakens
anger; harshness naturally produces an
tagonism oft-repeated punishments, and
for trivial offences, arc the parents of