Mower County transcript. [volume] (Lansing, Minn.) 1868-1915, 1886-02-03
The Little Man Conscience.

Tho Little Man Conscience.
Every window of the parlor was wide
open; and although the sun shining
from the cast, laid bright bands Of gold
en- light across tho carpet, yet the crisp
cold air of January senticy blasts along
with the sunshine.
Christie was sweeping; not such
short careless sweeps rs less pro-
nounced character could be satisfied to
give, but c'eanly strokes that at once
clcanscd the carpet, and raised but lit
tie dust; in fact just as everybody knew
that Chri>tie would work.
Christie was Il curiosity to the men,
bers of lI,o household; at once, as SIM
pie and light of heart as a child, yet.
on occasions woman upon whose judg-
mcnl they could rely, true and brave to
great degree.
On lhc particular day on which you
are looking at her through strangers
eyes She WAS in II quaudary; her mind
contained an unusual burden, for she
was not singing ~ usual. and her big
gray eyes had look of trouble. that
was 50 intense that it seemed to bring
Il suspicion OF tears to them
Some of the family would say that
tears and Christies eyes could never
be seen together. But more folks than
she have many sad moments mixed in
with the gay ones; for life is made up
of sunshine and shadows, and If the
dark clouds never camo overhead we
should never know how bright the sun
can shine.
In sort of unconcious way Christie
swept over and over a figure of green
and gold that WAS worked into the car
pet; then she paused, and clasped both
hands over the top of the
broom, resting her chin upon them,
still thinking upon the hothers
just then gentle knock at the door,
aud the turning of tho handle disclosed
TO view the face of little Jacky.
Chri-tic's especial pct.
Can come in, Christie?' he asked.
Not when the cold is coming into
the windows at such rate, my
darling.'
but aren't You cold, Christie?'
mo. little Kid. my dress is thicker
than yours. and have silk handker-
chief over my ears, and II pair of nit
tens upon nv hands. Whereas, if you
became too cold you might turn into
icirle.'
Jacky gradually disappeared behind
the door, and Christie continued her
work. She was thinking just rs hard,
but there had come into her eyes
more hopeful look that dispersed the
mist Of tears. IL know how 10 settle
it-Jacky shall decide for me-" So,
when tho windows were closed, and
the room had become warmer, she
called the boy. and perching him upon
the table. she kuelt beside him.
"Jacky, little man, do you know
what q Judge does?''
Hasn't he court, Christie? l
think papa said so to John last even
ing"
Yes, you are quite right. Now this
room is the court; You are the judge,
and am tho prisoner. Do you under
stand?'
"Ycs.'
land You are to pass the sentence
upon me-
oh! But. Christie. you would not
do what ,eld you unless you chose
to, and l couldn't make you, you
know
Yes, will
'.What is the matter, prisoner"
asked Jacky, with mock dignity.
Just this. am invited to 90 to
place of amust ment, and
Wont mamma let you gop''
Il have not asked her YET"
''Well, why don't you?
IL am not quite sure that it il right
for me to &C: how shall lind out?
Oh! Christie. don't you know? Pa
pa says that every body, big and little,
has in ,'eir head little man, Con-
science. that can help them every time.
You had better ask him."
Il ought to know that without being
told by 4 baby like YOU
ASK the little man If it is right, and
if he doscn't say yes very quickly, then
he means that you had better not do
it,
THAT is just it, pet.''
Aud papa says TO ask the question
quickly, and take his first answer, be-
cause lie likes 20 be played with, some
times and then we 60 wrong"
II thank you much, darling; you
have given me Il lesson that will new
er forget. Aud hereafter I will not
need the help Of any one except the
little man. Conscience, to show me
what is best to do.
Aud so Christie did not go to the
theatre that night.