The Northern Pacific farmer. [volume] (Wadena, Minn.) 1878-1885, 1879-11-13

the theughtless boy. one u1u NOT, enere-
fore, object to his coming back, and said,
as he took his seat:
"Next time see that you are more care
full. I have told you again and again
not to fill your saucer to the bri1n; YOU
never can do it without spilling the tea
on the table-clothv'
This was not spoken in kindness.
A scene somewhat similar to this is
enacted at every meal; but instead of i'm
proving i'll his behavior, the boy grew
more and more needless.
Mr.. Burton rarely said anything to
Henry about his unrulY manners; but
when he did, word was enough.
That word was always mildly but firm
ly spoken. He did not think him bad
boy, or difficult to manage, at least he
had never found him so.
II wish T knew W bat to do with that
child" said Mrs. Burton, after the little
fellow had been sent to bed an hour be-
fore his time, in consequence OF some
violation of law and order; che makes
me constantly feel unhappy. I dislike
to be scold1ng HIM forever; but what can
| do? If I did not curb him in some way,
there would be no living in the house
with him. I am afraid he will cause us
a great deal of trouble"
MIR. Burton sat silent. He wanted 70
say word on the subject but he feared
that It's effect nigh not be what he desir-
ed.
II wish you would advise me what to
do, Mr.. Burton said his wife, a little
petulantly. ''You sit and do not say
single word, as if you had no kind of in
terest in the matter What am to do!
I have exhausted all my own resources,
and feel completely at loss'
There is way which, if you adopt
it, think mi light do good"
Mr. Burton spoke with slight appear
ance of hesitation.
eff you would speak gently to Henry,
l am sure you would be able to manage
him far better than you do
Mrs. Burton's face was crimsoned in
an instant. She felt the reproof deeply;
her self-esteem was severely wounded.
''Speak gently, indeed!' she replied;
might as we'll speak to the wind. I
am scarcely heard now at the top of my
voice."
As her husband did not argue the
matter with her: nor say anything that
was calculated to keep up the excite
ment under which she was laboring; her
feelings IN little while quoted down,
and her thoughts became active. The
words "speak gently" were constantly IN
her mind, and there was a reproving
import in them.
On going to bed that night she could
not get to sleep for several hours; her
mind was too busily engaged in review
ing her conduct toward her child.
She clearly perceived that she had too
frequently suffered her mind to get excit-
ed and angry, and that she was often an
noyed at triaes which ought to have been
overlooked.
~ am afraid I have been unjust to my
child," she sighed over and over again,
turning restlessly upon her pillow. II
will try and do BETTER" she said to her.
self, as she rose in the morning, feeling
but little refreshed from her sleep.
Before she was ready to leave her room
she heard Henry's voice calling her from
the next chamber where he slept. The
tones we're tretful. He wanted some at
tendance, and was crying out for 1t In
manner that instantly disturbed the even
surface of the mothers feelings. She
was about telling him angrilly to walt
till she could finish dressing herself, when
the words ''speak gently" seemed whis-
pered in her ear. Their effect was magi-
cal; the mothers spirit was subdued.
II will speak gently" she murmured
and went in to Henry, who was still cry
ing out fretfully.
"What do you want, my son?"' she
said, in quiet, kind voice.
The boy looked up with surprise; his
eye frightened, and the whole expression
Of his face was changed In an instant.
81 cannot find my stockings, mamma"
'There they are, under the bureau"
returned Mrs. Burton as gently as she
had at first spoken.
90, yes, so they are!' cheerfully re-
piled Henry. 81 could not see them any
where"
Odd you think crying would bring
them2"
This was said with a smile, and in
tone so unlike his mother that the child
looked up again into her face with sur.
prise that was, Mrs. Burton plainly saw,
mingled with pleasure.
"Do you want anything else?" she
asked.
"No, mamma" he replied, cheerfully;
II can dress myself now
This first little effort was crowned
with the most encouraging results to the
mother; she felt deep peace settling in
her bosom, the CONSCIOUSNESS Of having
gained true victory over the pervcrse
tendencies of both her own heart and
that Of her boy. It was little act, but
it was the first fruits; and the gathering