Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1868-03-18

ner of patience with you. Go away from tn
table this instant!'
Harry went crying away, not in anger, bu
in grief. He had spilled his tea by accident
His mother had so many reproofS and injunc
tions to make, that the bearing Of them al
in mind was an impossible thing. AS tt
pouring out all his tea at time, he had nc
recollection of any Introduction on the subject
although it had been made over and over
again dozens of times. In little time he
came creeping slowly back, and resumed his
place at the table, his eyes gazing wistfully
on his mothers face.
Mrs. Burton was sorry that she had sent
him away for what was only an accident
She had felt she had hardly been just to the
thoughtless boy. She did not object to his
coming, but said, as he took his seat, " Next
time see that you are more careful. l have
told you again and again not to fill your sau-
Ger to the brim-you can never do it without
spiling your tea on the table CLOTH" This
was not spoken in kindness.
A scene somewhat similar to this was en-
acted at every meal, but Instead ofimproving
in his behaviour, the boy grew more needless.
Mr.. Burton rarely said anything to Harry
about his unruly manners, but when he did,
it was sufficient. That word was mildly yet
firmly spoken. lie did not think him bad
boy, or difficult to manage. At least he never
found hir" %.
~ wis. knew what to DO with that child y
said Mrs. Burton, after the little fellow had
been sent to bed an hour before his time, in
consequence OF some violation of law and
order. "He makes me feel unhappy all the
while. l dislike to be forever scolding him
but what can do? If l did not curb him
scme way, there would be no living in the
house with him. 1 am afraid he will cause a
world Of trouble"
Mr.. Burton sat silent. He wanted to say
q word on the subject, but he feared the effect
might not be what he desired.
Il wish you would advise me what to do,"
said his life, rather petulantly. You sit,
and don't say single word, as if you had no
kind of interest in the matter. What am l
TO do? l have exhausted all my own re-
sources, aud feel completely at a loss
There l.; . way which, if you adopt, l
tLink might do great deal of good" Mr..
Burton spoke with Slight appearance Of
hesitation.
"lf you would speak gently to Harry, l
am sure you would be able to manage him
better than you do"
Mrs Burton's face was crimsoned in an in
slant she felt tie reproof keenly her self
esteem was severely wounded.
.Speak geatlr. indeed y she replied. II
might as we'll speak to sLo >-:-s -s-e-----~
ly heard now, at tue top Of my voice.
As her husband did not argue the matter
with her. nor say anything that was calculated
to keep up the excitement under which she
was laboring, her feelings in a little while
qaicled down, and Ler thoughts became ac-
tive. The words "speak gently" were con-
,tanty in her mind, and there was reprov-
ing import i'll them. On going to bed that
night, ste could not sleep for several hours
her mind was too busily engaged in reviewing
,,er conduct TO her child. She clearly per.
ccived that she had too frequently suffered her
mind to get angry and excited, and that she
was often annoyed at tribes, that ought to
have been overlooked.
q am afraid I have been unjust to my
child,' she sighed, turning over and over
again on her pillow.
:;
81 will try to Go better.'' she said to her
self, as she arose in the morning, feeling little
refreshed from sleep. Before she was ready
TO leave her room, she heard Ilarry's voice
calling her from the next chamber, where he
slept. The tones were iretful he wanted
some attendance and was crying cut for it in
a manner that instantly disturbed the moth
er's feelings. She was about telling him to
be quiet until she could finish dressing herself,
when the words "Speak gently" seemed wh;s'
ncred in her ear. The effect was magical
the mothers spirit was subducd.
81 will srcak gently" she murmured, and
went Immediately to Harry, who was still
CRYING out fre,fully.
The boy looked up with surprise; his eye
Frightened, and the whole expression of his
face changed in an instant.
81 can't fad my stockings, mamma" he
said.
"Thcy arc under the bureau" replied Mrs
Burton, as gently as she had first spoken.
"Oh yes, so they arc" cheeriully replied
Harry; 1 couldn't see them nowhere"
"Did you think crying would bring them 2
This was said with smile, and in tone ST
unlike his mothers that the child again looked
up in her face; with surprise that was, Mrs
Burton plainly saw, mingled with pleasure.
DO you want anything else p she asked
"No, mamma" he replied cheerlully, ="
can dress myself now."
The first little effort was crowned with th
most encouraging results to the mother; sh
felt deep peace settling in her oosom-th
consciousness Of having gained true victor.
over the heart of her boy. 1t was little act
but it was the first fruits and gathering S
small a harvest was sweet to the soul.
For the first time in many months tn
breakfast table was pleasant to all. Harr
never once interrupted the conversation tha
passed between his father and mother Whe
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