The Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1855-1875, 1869-02-23
An innocent Amusement.

No; 1 do not approve of the practice
neither does my husband was the quiet
reply. ,.
DO not approve of it? Nor did at
one time: and being member of the
church, first objected to my children
learning the game; but their father said
they were becoming too prosy, they
must have amusements, and he desired
they should learn; so he bought them
pack Of cards in the fall, and we enjoy
them very much these lorg winter even
ings?''
Il infer then,' said Mrs Courtney, shat
you participate in the game, as you say,
we enjoy it2'
sOh! yes, occasionally l take game
myself, at the earnest solicitation OF the
children Mr.. Wilson says they will
learn to play, and it is better to teach
them st home than for them to learn
from evil companions. It is very in
nocent amusement, when nothing is sta
ked; though, indeed, we do sometimes
stake small articles, such as handker-
chiefs, pocket knives, and other little
things: but, of course, they are always
returned to their owners, and we are al
ways careful to instruct the chiidred that
it is wrong to play for money
Mrs Courtney felt that it would be
useless to argue the question with Mrs.
Wilson, so she merely replied: 4 think
you are doing very wrong. You are
placing a great temptation in the way of
your children; but 1 sincerely hope no
evil may come Of it,
| Mrs. Wilson and Mrs. Courtney had
each noble, intelligent boy, Of whom
they were justly proud, and around whom
centered their most cherished hopes.
Alas! that either Of them should be
taught the ruinous amusement of card
playing by his mother.
Mother, may 90 and spend the even
ing with Harry Wilson? 1t is Friday,
and / will have all day tomorrow to
study my lessons He says they have
| such nice times at his house, and has
asked me to come several times. Moth
er may l go2 asked Bernard Courtney
| The mother hesitated. She knew her
boy would be subjected to temptation;
| but she had endeavored to instill right
prin ciples into his young heart, and she
thought perhaps it might benefit him to
put these principles to a test. so she
| said: Yes, my son, you nl ~ go, but be
sure you do nothing of which your moth
er disapproves, and do not stay out late
| No. mother, will not, promised Ber-
nard, and kissing his mother tenderly,
he bounded down the street and was soon
| in Mrs. Wilson's pleasant sitting room.
| o! i am so glad! Here is Bernard
| Courtney! exclaimed a half dozen merry
little voices Now we shall have some
! fine fun. Come, Bernard, take hand
/ with u.s.
"A hand at what2' said Bernard.
! 'Whg cards! Don't you know how to
play cards?'
NO, and I do not wish to learn
There is no harm in it; father and
mother play with US, and they are mem
bers of the Church. Come. take hand,'
said Harry.
| No, do not think my mother would
like for me to play. I knosc she would
not and 1 would not displcase my moth
| er for all the fun in the world
| All, bows would there we're more Ber-
nard Courtneys! That is the way to
speak and act Never be ashamed to
| confess that you would not disobey
| your mother. Evcn consent to be lac gh
| ed at, and to have it said that you are
tied to your mothers apron strings; but
| say No. and adhere to it, when any one
would persuade you to disregard the
gentle tones of your mother.
Finding they could not persuade Ber-
nard to engage liz the game of cards,
they were compelled to seek soma other
amusement; for a group Of merry chill
dren intent on fun, will not be long in.
| finding something to make it Tor them
What merry times they had, playing
Bird ma''s Buff, 'Puss in the Corner
| Present and Advise and all those little
innocent games which bring no train of
evils with them, but rather osy cheeks.
| bright eyes and happy hearts.
Bernard rem aimed until nine O'Clock,
and then, although the children tried to
| persuade him to stay longer, saying that
| they were permitted to sit Up until ten
o'clock every evening, he thanked them
and replied that he promised his moth
| er not to stay late, bade them good night
and ran home.
His mother had not retired. but was
sitting before bright fire, at work,
when Bernard walked in the room.
| My son l am glad to see you kept
your promise. l feared YOU mi ght be so
engaged as to forget how time passed.
Did you spend pleasant EVENING"
Yes, mother, l spent a fine evening;
but l promised you l would not stay out
late, and knew you would be uneasy if
did They begged me to stay later;
bu, I thought 1t was time to come
home
You are right, my SON l am very
| glad you remembered your promise
| Bernard was thoughtful for some mo
| ments Finally he looked up and said:
| Mother, kept my other promise Also
What was that, Bernardo
Il promised not to do anything that
| you would not like said Bernard
Perhaps you were not tempted
Yes, mother, l was Harry aud his
sisters tried to persuade me to play
cards; but thought you would not wish
me to do it and / refused
God will bless you, my noble boy
said his mother, while tears of joy cours.
ed down her cheeks. The blessings Of
| God and man will follow him who hon.