The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1881-01-29
Sc Stupid" People.

THERE are some people in this world
who, wherever they may 90, expect
that something special will be done for
their Entertainment. At a party or
church social, for instance, they expect
to sit down in corner by themselves,
look agreeable or not, as the fancy
strikes them, and wait for some one to
come along and amuse them. If the
company present have other plans for
their evenings enjoyment these people
go home, discontinued, and say, with a
disguised expression, that they shave
had such a stupid time!" ~ ie
Now, these forlorn people never
think that if every one in a gathering
followed their example, parties, picnics
and socials would be transformed into
Quaker meetings. The rule holds good
here which applies to every other walk
of life. To be happy ones self one
must try to impart happiness to others.
The commonplace little lady who, talks
about the weather and the babies to one
person after another is happier, better
beloved, and often more finely cultured
than the wise young woman who will
only condescend to converse on sub
ject. Many fitful conversation and
many delightful friendship have grown
out Of commonplace on the weather.
tits often for the very reason that she
will not talk small talk that the wise
young lady must sit in the corner and
be disguised at life all the evening, when
she might be making herself agreeable
(and, therefore. contented) by helping
instead of hindering sociability. This
principle applies also to men, but it is
not so much neglected by them as by
| their sisters. However, [ well remem-
Der the shock L once experienced from a
very brief conversation with one of
these male malcontents. had noticed
his melancholy face many times during
! the evening in question, and finally,
in the hope that L might help to
brighten it, had asked my brother to
introduce me to Mr.. E. He did So but
before l, had time to comment on the
'ttbrilliancy of the assembled company, ~
Mr.. E., with most solemn look, hurled
the following profound question at me !:
"Do3you believe in the immortality of
the soulp" Now, fancy few people
would have been greatly treasured by
this startling beginning. AS for me, not
feeling equal to theological discussion
with one so apparently q pessimist,
weakly murmured, I-don't-know,"
and, after moments hesitation, bowed
and walked away. '" ,@pIy r}9tal
How much better than this was the
example of little friend of mine, whose
happy disposition makes all glad about
her. Lulu's father and mother live on
farm, and the little girl has no COM
panions of her own age. Consequently
when She gets lonesome she is in the
habit of making little calls upon her only
neal. neighbor, a woman of 40, with no
children. The day when L,llh arrived
Mrs. Bates was very busy with her
weeks baking, and told her little friend
that she could not stop to talk with her,
; but that she might sit in the kitchen and
look on while she worked The child
not years old yet, sat down as she was
hidden. pa long time passed, during
which Mrs. Bates said not a word, anC
! Lulu sat quite still, watching her dart tc
, and from the kitchen, putting in pud
J ding and pies and taking out cake sant
J biscuits. At last, drawing avery long
breath, the child exclaimed In mos
: cheerful tone: !'fOh, Mrs. Bates, wha
. splendid time we're having!" Now, {
! child with such disposition as this ha'
the foundation of character which will
I bring happiness to herself and every
body else. We old worldlings nigh
well embrace the sweet philosophy o