American citizen. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1864-1890, 1875-09-18

my friends humble dwelling, well know
ing the sitting-room would as yet be un-
occupied by the lady of the house, who
did her own work. 1t was opened inn
mediately and was most cordially re-
ceived. The sight that greeted my eyes
| in my friends pleasant kitchen-for a
kitchen may be pleasant room-was one
of the most gratifying it has ever been my
| good fortune to look upon.
1t was washing-d day" in this we'll
| ordered household, whose punctuality
seemed not to have been affected by the
fall of the mercury, and busy scene in
| deed it was. The children OF this family
are four sons. The oldest was carrying
water; the second, with coat off and shirt
sleeves rolled up, was bending over the
wash-tub, washing with a hearty good
will, while his glowing cheeks and the
foaming suds in the tub attested the ear
nestness of his labors The third son was
turning the handle of a clothes-wringer,
while the fourth and youngest, a child of
six, who was determined not to be outdone
by the "big boys, !" was piling wood in the
ample wood box.
Involuntary glanced at Mrs A.,
half expecting to see some signs of par
tiai or recent Illness visible in her coun-
tenance; but no; the fine, healthy glow of
her pleasant face and the bright sparkle
younger than she really was, forbade the
idea that her sons had been pressed into
service on account of their mothers ILL
health. Mrs. A. noticed my look and an
swered my unasked question with glow
of truly pardonable pride:
Oh, yes, am quite well, thank YOU"
And we intend to keep her So" said
the boy at the wash-tub. g We don't intend
to allow mother to do all the hard work
vyh <rroof efoxrt fo1loxxyo 90 ord
look on
At nine O'Clock the washing was on the
line and three of Mrs. AS sons were in
school quietly pursuing their accustomed
studies. Many hands make light work, y
thought l, and quick work, too.
One evening soon after l attended the
Lyceum of our academy. Orations, de-
bates, essays and music were the order
of the evening. was highly entertained
by the achievements of some of the stu
dents, but of one more than any other.
He was youth of sixteen, possessing q
fine form, flashing eyes, and an erect and
manly bearing. As he stepped upon the
speakers platform the silence of expect
ancy pervaded the house. All seemed to
be looking for something particularly en-
tertaining, and we were gratified. The
youth before us was decidedly the best
speaker of the evening. His ringing
SoiCC, AIudiiuS eye. duuuntcu ScsiuIcsy
and fine intonations all bespoke the
greatness of the future orator in the boy
before US, who, but a short time before, /
had seen bending over the wash-tub-this
boy who thought more of seeing the roses
of health bloom on his mothers cheeks
than of his own selfish ease. And think
you that boys lessons were less faithfully
studied and less perfectly learned for help
ing his mother? Let his success, as one
of the best scholars in the school of which
he is member, answer.
Boys, have you mother? If you have,
be kind and gentle to her. If she is in
health, let your strong and willing hands
assist in all her tolls, that she may con-
tinue so. If she is frail, be careful lest
some word or deed of yours assist to snap
the brittle thread of the precious life.
Never allow any false or foolish pride to
deter YOU from Eendering her sc1 Az tie b. as
kindness to her will ever detract one iota
from your reputation for manliness or
bravery, but, on the contrary, will add i'm
to it.-Anaerican Farm Jour-
nal.