Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1874-04-17
Only the Children.

!
away to stay over night, Alice ~ said on
of Mr.. Montgomery's children to his sister
cit rains so that no one will call; and nov
mother will wear that faded wrapper al
day. [ heard her tell Barbara she should
have good long dayf sewing We shall
be sure to eat in the kitchen. She doesn'
think it worth while to set the dining
room table for us"
'sDon't you wish she would spill ink or
that dress, Phillip ?" was the answer.
'sThen she wouldn't wear it any more.
s'sNo indeed, don't want it any worse.
for she would wear it just the same rainy
days and when papa is away"
Now mamma in the next room hearc
this discussion of the children, and arose
to take a survey of herself in the looking
glass. 1t twas not a very pleasing picture
that the polished surface gave back to hel
view.
"Now, Harry Warren's mother" said
Philip, is always nicely dressed, any time
in the day"
''She wears such pretty bows on her hail
and neck" said Alice sBut she isn't hall
so pleasant as our mother" she added 10y
ally, elf she does look prettier."
The mothers eyes glistened as she look
ed down ON the old wrapper.
''To be compared to Aunt Warren's she
thought, "and by my own children too
Who would have thought they were such
sharp little things They notice every
trife."
Mrs Montgomery's spirit was quite stir
] red. She would not allow such a rival
she said to herself, if she could eclipse her
"You will be disappointed about the old
wrapper for once, Mr.. Phillip" she added
smiling, as she took a soft bright dress,
just the thing to enliven dull day. Then
she puffed her hair in her prettiest style
and proceeded to dress herself with unusu-
alcare. The delicate lace collar was adorned
with a pretty bow of palest pink, and hel
hair was tied back with a ribbon to match
1t was wonderful how these simple addi-
lions to the toilet changed her appearance.
A little taste does so much for a woman S
toilet, and yet how small sften is the cost.
A simple knot Of violet OF crimson velvet
| will make dull old dress look bright and
even elegant. AS a great painter said
| ''Trifes make perfection, but perfection is
no trifle.'
| Mrs. Montgomery's face were a brighter
| look than usual that day, as she entered
the nursery. Her dress had actually raised
her spirits; but she was hardly prepared
for the burst of admiration that greeted
her. 1t is not often that compliments are
sincere and heartfelt as were those of her
little ones that day. But her children's
tones quickly changed to one of anxiety.
Are you going away anywhere mammal
they asked directly.
"No dears, Pm going to sew on the ma
chine all day; so we can have a nice time
together"
Little Alice hung over her chair min
ute admiringly, and fingered her buttons
! as she said, with smile of deep content
in her eyes
"You look nice, mamma"
Mrs Montgomery smiled as she threaded
the needle of her machine, while Phillip
said proudly
''She looks nicer than Harry's mother,
even when she has her silk dress on.''
That was reward enough, she had eclips-
ed her rival.
"I'll remember this days lesson,'' said
the mother to her own heart and she did
remember it.
The rairy-daY WRAPPER was doomed they
helped to rip it UP with sincere pleasure.
1t made excellent Innings for new one,
and often preached it's old sermon over, as
it hung wrong side out in the closet.
Mothers, when you allow yourselves slov-
emily ways among the little ones, in the Sc
clusion of the nursery, remember "there's
a child takin' notes" Those notes will be
read even when your head lies low. Of all
the bright pictures that hang on memo
rvs wall'' there is none to me so fair as a
sweet, loving mother, whose appearance
was always neat and tasteful, even in work
ing dress. Children may love an untidy
mother, after fashion, but they can new
Ell respect her. She cannot keep the hold
on them In later years that one Of the OPP
posite habits possesses. Besides, if you are
untidy yourself, they will probably grow
up to initiate you. DON'T neglect the little
details Of dress, that add so much to ap-
pearance, because there will be mo one
about but the children. ''-Peterson's Mag
azine.
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