The Osceola times. [volume] (Osceola, Ark.) 1870-current, 1881-07-23
TIE HOUSEHOLD.
Influence Exerted by visitors-Managins
BOYS.

was visiting an old school-friend =
few weeks ago, one whose circumstances
have for long time been rather strait
ened. Like many other young wives,
though truly refined and cultivated. her
home was very plain, her fare simple,
and she is keenly alive TO what is lack
ing. During nv visit Mrs. Mabies hus.
band brought home two gentlemen
friends to take tea and sleep at the house
and was so struck by the influence
these chance guests exerted in the little
household that / resolved TO make it the
theme Of chat.
The first gentleman told us of his rare
china, his bric.a brdc and latest purchases
as to furniture and carpets. There was
only the little sitting-room, with its base
burner to sit around, and 1t seemed 10
make the room close and stufly TO hear
of his library and tiled fireplace. He
ate little and discoursed of rare dishes at
the table. Nv dear little friend said
nothing till "John" had left the next
morning, but she then contided to me
what bad effect such visitor had on
her husband.
"Ile feels badly all the time because
he cannot give me the luxuries was
accustomed to as girl, and Low he will
be glum and moody for days"
Sure enough, when night came, the
husbands brow was clouded, he apolo-
gized for the smallness Of the room
spoke sharply to the children, and
though no reference was made to the
guests Of the previous evening we felt
his shadow darkening the bright little
home. A few evenings later another
gentleman came home with John, but,
though a stranger TO all but his host. he
was so genial, so glad to rest in "a real
home" so delighted with the supper
"these cookies were just the kind he had
when boy"-they tasted like old times,
took such kindly notice Of the children,
and, in short, was so thoroughly bent on
seeing the best of everything, that we
all sat up later than usual, and for DAYS
his words of appreciation and praise
frightened and cheered us. Now, | am
sure, this second guest was sincere;
have heard since of his wealth and the
Injuries to which he is accustomed; but,
Just because he enjoys above all else
making those about him happy, that
man can be happy himself in any home
where he may happen to rest for time.
This same friend had an admirable
way of managing her boys. l suppose
every mother finds that when two or
three boys occupy the same room they
will romp and "carry on" till at last
some one is hurt or all three are quar-
ieling. To my surprise the Mabie BOYS
were as quiet as mice. At first ! said to
myself this is company behavior" but
| was soon an old friend with the child
rem, yet still the morning dressing was a
quiet affair and the three boys came
down with clean hands and faces, and
hair which, if not parted, was at least
brushed.
"It's new plan I've tried,' explained
my friend, 81 give them each penny
for every quiet morning. but il any quar-
reling is heard every boy forieits his
lenny, while if any one comes down
without having attended to his washing
and hair, that one forfeits his penny"
These boys had five cents a week be-
sides, but each time they forgot to hang
up their hats or left their playthings
about they forfeited a penny, and if
they disputed the point with their
mother they forfeited still another.
must say the plan worked admirably,
and besides the children had their own
pocket-money for kites and marbles.
1t is amusing and rather alarming to
see how thoroughly grown people are
weighed and tested by the children OF
the neighborhood. | was much pleased
with lady who called upon me at the
Mabies; we happened TO talk of the man.
agement of children and from her con-
versation she seemed full of sympathy
and unselfishness toward them.
"You just ought to hear her call her
Jimmy in" said Jack Mabie, "she seems
mad to see him having good time
Well, Pm glad happened TO come to
this house when was baby, for most
all the other mothers pull boys around
and forget to say pleasel'