The Russellville Democrat., 1881-07-14
THE HOUSEHOLD.
1nsiusncs Exertsd by visitors Managing
Ehrich's Quarterly.

Ehrich's Quarterly.
 I was visiting an old school-friend Q few weeks ago, one whose circumstances have for 8 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 my visit Mrs. Mabie's hus- band brought home two gentlemen friends to take tea and sleep at the house and I was so struck by the influence these chance guests exerted in the little household that 1 resolved to make it the theme of chat.
 The first gentleman told us of bis rare china, bis bric-o brdc and latest purchases as to furniture and carpets. There was only the httle sitting-room, with it's base burner to sit around, and it seemed to make the room close and stuffy to hear of his library and tiled fireplace. He ate little and discoursed of rare dishes al the table. My dear little friend said nothing till John" had left the next morning, but she then cenfided to me what bad effect such visitor had on her husband.
 "He feels badly all the time because he cannot give me the luxuries was accustomed to as girl, and TOW he will be glum and moody for days"
 Sure enough, when night came, tho 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 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, l am sure, this second guest was sincere; l have heard since of his wealth and the luxuries 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 guar. reling. To my surprise the Mabie boys were as quiet as mice. At first said to myself, "this is company behavior" but I was soon an old friend with the child ren, 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.
 "Its new plan I've tried" explained my friend, q give them each a penny for every quiet morning. but if any quar- reling is heard every boy forfeits his Lenny, while if any one comes down without having attended to his washing and hair, that one forfeits bis penny These boys had five cents week be- sides, but each time they forgot to hang up their hats or left their playthings about they forfeited penny, and ii they disputed the point with their mother they forfeited still another. l must say the plan worked admirably, and besides the children had their own pocket-money for kites and marbles. lL IS 2IluSinS dIlu IdtucI diaIhlHg to see how thoroughly grown people are weighed and tested by the children of the neighborhood. I 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 timel We'll, I'm glad l happened to come to this house when l was baby, for most all the other mothers pull boys around and forget to say pleasel"