Lamoille newsdealer. [volume] (Hyde Park, Vt.) 1860-1877, 1861-07-05

took his place quietly, instead of in the
noisy, dashing way peculiar to that young
gentleman; and Lydia freed from his an
noyances, forgot herself 50 far as to give
sisterly attention to little brother who
occupied high seat by her side.
But an incident occurred that came
near destroying the harmonious balance
Of things thus far maintaned-a common
incident, and one with which few mothers
exercise patience.
A cup of milk and water was overturn-
ed, and the contents left upon the table
cloth. It was Johnny's work, and care
lessly done. '
"Youw Only that one word escaped
the lips of Mrs. Lawrence; but the flash
in her eyes, and the color on her face be-
trayed the irritation that was fast over
mastering her. Instead of a smarting re-
proof, however, there came kind remon-
STRANGE, and the startled boy looked
grieved and grateful at the same moment
Il didn't mean to do it, mother. 1t
was an accident" he said, with troubl-
ed air, instead of the defiant or Indifferent
one usual on these occasions. And I'm
sorry aa. 80 ,.
A grave quiet followed this incident,
for all felt how narrowly they had escap-
ed a scene of passionate disturbance,
which, contrasted with the harmony that
prevailed. made them shrink from its bare
imagination. Peace, order, and spirit
of mutual kindness were felt to be SO
sweet, that the danger of losing them gave
an impression of pain. By none were the
means of escape more vividly realized than
by Mrs. Lawrence She saw that on her
successful effort at controlling an impa-
tient spirit everything was due. Had the
, stormy words which leaped to her tongue,
lOuuu I'LL ubtcIdHCt, iuW WUulu ali uuNt
been changed in moment She was not
so cheerful during the rest of the meal !;
E but her subdued gentleness of manner,
and thoughtful attention to the wants of
every child, more than made up for the
SUMMER countenance, and as ettectually re-
pressed disorder and unkindness.
When had a meal passed, before this
q one, free from strife among the children
9 or angry rcproof from the mother9 The
occasion was memorable.
! How we'll the children behaved this
, morning" said Mr. Lawrence, as he stood
e drawing on his ogercoat, preparatory to
going out. There was tone of pleasure
A in his voice; and something beyond this,
e also, not to be concealed-approval of his
e wife, and encouragement to persevere. He
, would not have ventured in words all that
he wished look and voice to convey.
' ,.i'" Better than usual" she simply re-
t piled. Then, after pause, added, IF it
: would only last"
"And why not ?" Mr.. Lawrence ven-
tured 10 say.
"Children are very uncertain. Their
: moods change like the changing wind, or
the skies of April" t,.,e
, /" Be sun in their April sky, dear, "
said Mr.. Lawrence, kissing his wife ten
derly, and then. not waiting to see the
effect of his words, turned off and left for
the days business.
Mrs. Lawrence stepped into the parlor
alone, and sat down with tears in her
t eyes. Very clearly opened her duty be-
. fore her. She saw the way in which she
should walk--but had she strength to
> keep her feet therein Self-conquest first
Yes, that was the requirement now How
easy had been the control of the children
thus far, after self-control was gained.
| How clearly she had seen what was said
to be best and done, and whata power
had dwelt in mildly spoken sentences.
Obedience had seemed spontaneous Act
followed word as by enchaptment Ere
= yet her thoughts ran clear, came new
! occasion for prompt work 5e.r,,s
s Left only few minutes to themselves,
Q the natural tendencies Of the children had
t borne them away into strife. Johnny,
I the master of dscord among them, forget