The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1888-09-08
THE SATIN BOOTS.

The following story, true one, was
told to the writer by lady well-known
in English society, not only for her high
position. but for her excellent domestic
virtues. ILLUSTRATES, in striking man
ner, the fact that orderly habits, even in
those who are very young, may not only
be useful, but may result in q saving OF
money.
When the children of Mrs. Hewitt
were old enough to be reasoned with,
their father and mother decided that
they ought to be taught the proper use of
money.
Mr.. Hewitt hela spublic position;
and his wife kne isugh-
ters would, in few years at most, be in
troduced to fashionable eosiety, in which
extrgya9ance Is constant temptation.
Moreover, they would have fortunes of
their own; and Mrs. Hewitt believes that
money is an inheritance or gain, for the
use Of which those to whom it is given
must give account hereafter.
81 wanted" said Mrs. Hewitt, TO allow
them to spend money for thems ,lves, md
yet to have certain obligations in what
they did with their allowance"
So it was decided, at the beginning OF
the new year, that the four girls should
be allowed twelve dollars a month each,
on condition that they kept strict ac-
counts, and purchased all their gloves,
boots. stationery and ribbons.
Whatever was left after these pur-
chases were made, they could use accord
ing to their fancy; but it was an under
st anding that no bill was to be left
standing, and at the beginning of each
month the necessary purchases we're to
be made.
To each girl was given an account
book, and for a week they went daily to
their fathers study for an hours lesson
in bookkeeping and accounts. Every
month Mr.. Hewitt inspected the books,
aud for some time the plan worked adml-
rably.
OAe November day, invitations arrivs
the little Hewitts, who were going in very
simple costumes, ssked permission to
bay new satin boots, such as were then
vsry much worn.
It would take great part of their
months income; bat, as Mrs. Hewitt had
allowed them freedom In their purchases,
she gave them permission to buy the
satin boots.
Mrs. Hewitt objected to her young
daughters taking daily walk with
nursery maid; for as she said, at no time
is pleasant and retine I'd influence in con-
versation more needed than during daily
walks.
For this son, she engaged the ser
vices OF young lady, who accompanied
them, morning and afternoon. upon their
wake; and their little purchases we're
generally made with her. Miss Keller,
the young lady l speak of, went with
them to buy the satin boots.
There was great deliberation; but,
finally, four pairs were chosen and paid
for, at lelght dollars pair, and IN the
evening we're triumphsntly displayed to
MRS. Hewitt. The children attended the
ball, danced, suppose, in their satin
b lots, and, let us hope, did not regret SO
great an expenditure as they had made
for the boots. But, at the end Of the
month, Blanche, the eldest daughter, was
called one morning into her fathers study.
He had bill in his hand.
"Whst is this, my dear? he said grave.
ly. "Was it not an understanding that
you were never to have bill? Here,
PJeson, the boot-maker, sends in a bill
OF six pounds eight Qhirty-two dollars)
for your satin shoes"
Blanche exclaimed at once that the
boots were paid for, and summoned her
sisters and Miss K sller, who also declared
the same.