South Branch intelligencer. [volume] (Romney, Va. [W. Va.]) 1830-1896, 1875-04-09

10 order, and prevent, as well for his
sake as for others, disorder and blind
destruction, we must never forget that
the jewel is more to be regarded than
the casket. A scratched table. a torn
or defaced book, or even a costly thing
broken, are small evils compared with a
scratched, defaced or distorted mind
Forgive me for saying it, my sister, but
L have always thought that parents are
most to blame for the bad tempers and
passionate outbreaks of their children
and this little trouble with John only
confirms the opinion. l say it kindly;
nay, Anna, in tender love. BE not hurt,
then. nor offended; but for the sake of
your bright, beautiful boy, lay up my
words in your heart"
The mother sat sober and thoughtful.
Her sister had not spoken in vain.-
Truth had a wakened conviction. Sud
denly rising, and kissing her sister in
token of forgiveness, she left the room
and went to the library. John was still
lying upon the floor where he had thrown
himself. lie heard his mothers foot
steps; but he did not move. Expert
ence had taught him that .reproof, it
might be punishment, was in store for
him; and so he awaited, in stubborn ST.
lence, for whatever unpleasant conse-
quence might come.
''JohnY 1t was low, soft, tender,
almost sad voice, and the word was spo-
ken close to his ear. lie started in sud
den surprise, and raised his face from
the floor.
Come, dear The voice was even
tenderer; and warm hand grasped his
with firm pressure.
"Oh, mother" The child started ND
with this exclamation, and in a passion
OF tears, threw his arms about her neck,
and hid his face in her bosom. Tight
~ she held him there, and lovingly she
kissed his pure forehead.
Il didn't mean to do wrong mother -
said the boy. Il love to build houses,
and father said yesterday that if | did
not hurt the books, l might take some
of them.
The mother only kissed him again,
and drew her arms, in token of love,
more tightly around him. What could
she say to words that came to her ears
with such cutting rebuke?
You love me, mother, don't you ~
asked the child.
Yes, dear, yes Better than all the
world" was the almost sobbing answer.
"And l love you, mother And I'll
try to be good always. Won't you ask
father to buy me some building blocks,
and then I'll not want his books?''
Yes. You shall have box full to-
morrow"
You're a good mother" said little
John, only sometimes-"
The child paused as if in doubt.
Only what, dear?"
You won't be angry if say it. will
you?"
Mono, dear say on"
only sometimes you scold me so.
and jerk me up when L amt doing any
harm as | can see. And then | get SO
mad-and | can't helpit. And I'm sor-
ry. oh, dear, l wish never was mad -
And with q half shudder. as if some
very painful idea was forced upon his
young mind, little Johnny buried his
face close down upon his mothers bo-
som again, and lay there very still.
No more words passed then between
the mother and child, but scales had
been removed from the mothers vision,
and she saw that her precious boy had
generous feelings and right impulses.
and that for his many exhibitions of
naturally quick temper she was most TO
blame.
Thanks for your truthful words, dear
sister" she said, little while after
wards. II shall have cause to bless you
for them in all coming time
And it was even so.-T. s. ARTHUR.