The weekly union record., 1865-03-04


games, whose principal feature is al abundance
Of kissing | went TO my study and began
writing The merry bursts Of laughter came
echoing 10 my ears, bat they did 10, disturb
me- | am ford father.
Oue of the big girls came into my august
presence and threw cushion at my feet, on
which she kneeled, poutipg up at NE a pair
Of red ripe lips.
who's ,his?" said /, laying down my
writing.
That's Mary Aun!' cried Fred from the
doorway, which was thronged with ggghng
little spectators. "She wants you 10 kiss
her, pa
"Ab.' said l. a. memory suddenly recalled
the old time game. How many kisses can
have -
Twenty" Thirty" a hundred" :" cried
a dozen voices.
We'll. I'll take three" said /. "and you NAV
have the rest, Fred"
Cant see it," slauged the young hopeful,
backing off.
The young lady struggled after the orthodox
manner, handed down IRON generation 10 gen
Grafton of young ladies, aud the children
screamed with delight.
"p old her. Mr. Dobbr'
kiss ber, Mr.. Dobb,"
Rub her nose with your whiskers papa"
That Was from Fred. who had vivid memories
We left them alone al that. | don't believe
in old folks intruding too much on the enjoy
ment of the little ones. They get along more
merry by themselves. So Mrs. Dobb shut the
parlor door aud left them alone, while | shut
myself up in my study.
About half past nine, | went out and found
the little guests had gone.
Sallie was missing, but We presently found
her on the stairs in the hall, crying bitterly.
"Why, what's the matter with nv little
bird ?" said !, taking her in my arms.
She was 10th to tell, but at last she sobbed
out that she had been kissed so much and had
her six years pounded on her back. in honor Of
birthday usage. till she was sore all over
Added to all Of which, one of the boys had
torn her dress in a shocking manner.
She was soothed and put to bed, and then l
went into the parlor.
Oh, spectacle for an economical parent, !,
Ny statue OF Senator Doug glas-only cast.
but gift from the sculptor-had been knocked
over as it stood in corner and its head broken
Oft short. There was deep scratch foot
long on the piano and the music was one
hideous daub of moasses candy fram first TO
last. \ lamp had been tipped over on the
Brussels carpet and left spo, in the middle of
the room. And worst of all, some ambitious
youngster had been at my paintings and had
broken hole through the canvas of beautiful
landScape-an original Sontag, which | valued
highly.
''Oh, Susan ~ cried I, 'behold The havoc OF
this economical soiree, :"
Mrs. Dobb stood aghast at the spectacle.
Can you compute this damage calmly :" |
asked
But Mrs. Dobb had no answer for me-
got out pencil and piece of paper aud
made q reckoning:
nui"ou C"t pe'- .''''' 'SAoo
Beheaded Douglass. ss. 25
Mutilated Sontag g.. SO
Moasses candy and other damages 10
piano and music c.............. 10
"A total, my dear, of Sl95."
81 think you are e1travagant, James" said
my wife. a little Spaulding's glue will put
the statues head in place"
And then you could tie red ribbon round
his neck TO hide the crack, couldn't you, dear?"
| said in a tone of intense irony.
AS for the painting, it seems to me you
might mend it in scme way, james, since you
make those things yourself"
iuose tnIhSs. Iuat VIC WIG ioF au
artist"
The piano and music will see what can
DO with and as for the carpet, We can get
rug for the centre Of the room, and the spot
will never show
Another expeose, my dear"
james, have wanted rug for that room
this long time. For my part, don't know as
I'm very sorry. At least, it can't be helped
now and there are no more birthdays in the
family this year"
Let Us be thankful for that, then" said |.