Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1875-08-17
MlscELIRAEoUs.
ONLY THE OHILDBEN.


..ssss RE you sorry that father has gone away
eS TO stay over night, Alice Z" said one of
Mr. Montgomery's children 70 his.sister. .sIt
rains SO that no one will call; and now mother
viii wear that faded wrapper all day. heard
her tell Barbara she should have good long
day for sewing. eshall be sure to eat in
the kitchen. She doesn't think it worth while
to set the dining room table for MS,
Don't you wish she would spill ink on that
dress. Philip 7" was the answer.
'.Then she wouldn't wear it any more"
No indeed, don't,want it any worse, for
she would were it Just the same rainy days
and when papa is away" -
Now mamma in the next room heard this
discussion of the children, and arose to take
a survey of herself in the looking. glass It
was not very pleasing picture that the poll
| ished surface gave back to her view
"Now, Harry Warren's mother" said
Philip, sis always nicely dressed, any time in
the day"
"Sho wears such pretty bows on her hair
and neck, !" said Alice "But she isn't half
so pleasant as our mothcr," she added loyalty,
eff she does look Frettier." 5.-s
The mothers eyes glisteued as she looked
down on the old wrapper.
''To be compared to Aunt Warren's she
thought, sand by my own children too. Who
would have thought they were such sharp lit
tie things. They notice every trile,"
Mrs. Montgomerys spirit was quite stirrod.
Size would not allow such rival, she said to
herself, if she could eclipse her.
"You will be disappointed about the old
wrapper for once, Mr.. Philip" she added
smiling, as she took soft bright dress, just
the thing to cnliveu dulr day. Then she
cd hor hoSr T,o. IL
ceeded to dress herself with unusual care-
The delicate lace collar was adorned with a
pretty bow of palest pink, and her hair was
tied back with a ribbon to match.
1t was wonderful how these simple addi-
tions to the toilet changed her Appearance
A little taste does SO much for woman % toilet,
and yet how small often is the cost A sim
pie knot of violet or crimson velvet will mako
dull old dress look bright and even elegant.
As great painter said, "Trifes make per-
lection, but perfection is no trife"
Mrs. MontgOmery's face wore brighter
look than usual that day, as she entered tho
nursery. Her dress had actually raised her
spirits; but she was hardly prepared for the
burst of admiration that greeted her. Il 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 those of anxiety.
'Are you going away anywhere mamma 2"
they asked directly. ,,tl s.5.'
"No, dears, I'm going to sew on the ma
chine all day; SO We can have a nice time
together" '.'A a''aa
Little Alice hung over her chair minute
adrniripgly, and fingered her buttons as she
said, with smile of deep content in her eyes
"You look nice, mamma" I"
Mrs. Montgomery smiled as she threaded
the needle of her machine, while Philip said
proudiy-
'sShe looks nicer than Harry's mother, even
when she has her silk dress on"
That was reward enough, she had eclipsed
her rival.
'.Pll remember this days lesson, said the
mother to her own heart; aud she did re-
member it.
The rainy>day wrapper was doomed, they
helped to rip it up with sincere pleasure. It
made excellent Innings for q new one, and Of
ten preached its old sermon over, as It hung.
wrong side out in the closet
Mothers, when you allow yourselves slov-
enly ways among the little ones, in the se-
clusior 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 memory's WALL"
there is none to me SO fair as a sweet, loving
mother, whose appearance was always neat
and tasteful, even in working dress. Chill
dren may love an uptidy mother, after a
fashion, but they can never respect her She
cannot keep the hold on them in later years
that one of the opposite habits possesses.-
Besides, if yOu are untidy yourself, they will
probably grow up to initiate you. Don't me-
glect the little details of dress, that add so
much to appearance, because there will be s'no
one about but the children" .,Q--
Peters0n's Magazine.