Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1879-11-09

to be scolding HIM forever; but what can
I do? If 1 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"
Mr.. Burton sat silent. He wanted &c
say word on the subject but he feared
that Its effect might not be what be desir.
ed.
II wish you would advise me what to
do, Mr.. Burton said his wife, little
petulantly. "You sit and do not say a
single word, as if you had no kind of in
terest in the matter. What am to dol
I have exhausted all my own resources,
and feel completely at loss"
There is way which, if you adopt
it, think might do good"
Mr.. Burton spoke with a slight appear
ance of hesitation.
"lf you would speak gently to Henry,
I am sure you would be able to manage
him far better than you do
Mrs. Buttons face was crimsoned in
an instant. She felt the reproof deeply
her self-esteem was severely wounded.
"speak gently, indeed!' she replied;
I might as well speak to the wind.
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 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 trifles which ought to have been
overlooked.
II am afraid have been I'm Just to my
child" she sighed over and over again,
turning restlessly upon her pillow. 81
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 Hcnry's voice calling her from
the next chamber where he slept. The
tones were fretful. He wanted some at
tendance, and was crying out for 1t In a
manner that instantly disturbed the even
surface of the mothers feelings. She
was about telling him angrilly to wait
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.
81 will speak gently" she murmured,
and went in to Henry, who was still cry
ing out frettully.
"What do you want, my sons" she
said, in a 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.
80, yes, so they are!'' cheerfully re-
piled Henry. II could not see them any
where"
"Did you think crying would bring
them?"
This was said with smile, and in a
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
III can dress myself now
This first little effort was crowned
with the most encouraging results to the
mother; she felt a deep peace settling in
her bosom, the CONSCIOUSNESS of having
gained q true victory over the perverse
tendencies OF both her own heart and
that Of her boy. It was little act, but
it was the first fruits; and the gathering
even OF so small harvest was sweet to
her spirit.
For the first time in many months the
breakfast table was pleasant to all. Hen
ry never once interrupted the converse
ton that passed at intervals between his
father and mother. When he asked for
anything, it was in a way pleasing to all.
Once or twice Mrs. Burton found it nee
essary to correct some little fault in man.
ner, but the way in which she did it. did
not in the least disturb her chlld's temper,
and instead of not seeming not to hear
her words, as had always been the case,
he regarded all that was said, and tried
to do as she wished.
''There is wonderful power in gentle
words,' remarked Mr.. Burton, to his
wife, after Henry left the table.
''Yes, wonderful indeed, their effect
surprises me.'
'Love is strong"
Days, weeks, months and years went
by; during all this time the mother con-
tinued to strive very ear nestly with her.
self, and very kindl y with her child. The
happlest results followed; the fretful,
passionate, disorderly boy became even
minded, and orderly in his habits. A
word, gently spoken, was all-powerful in
its influence for good, but the least shade
of harshness would arouse his stubborn
will and deform his fair young face.
Whenever mothers complain to Mrs.
Burton Of their difficulty they find in
managing their children, she has one
piece of advice to give, and that is, "Com-
mand yourself, and, speak gently