Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1888-09-19

From the YOUTHS Companion.
The Tregears are an influential and cultured
family In an inland middle state town. They 1--we
in an old mansion, built by their great grand
father. and have all the luxurious appliances OF
life about them which would be gathered by gen.
erations OF educated, afiuent people. They are
possessed or clear heads and warm hearts, and
there is apparently no reason why life for them
should not be sweet and gracious ana full OF
happiness. They are father aud mother, with a
daughter and two sons When the Tregears
gather around the family breakfast-table, the
food Is served In grim silence. n there rs
choice morsel On dish, Bob or John is sure TO
seize II, on which Clara makes some biting allu-
sion 10 Clrce's banquet for the swine. III Clara
comes into the room with pretty new gown or
hat, not one OF the family notices IL. When Mr.
Tregear takes up the morning paper TO read, his
vile Is apt TO interrupt him With q dozen Ques-
lions upon unlmportant subjects, which could
easily wait for an hour or two.
II never occurs 10 the boys or to their father 70
rise when MIS- Tregear or Clara enters the room
or TO hand either OF tuem chair. sometimes Mrs
Tregear. VINO Is not young woman, being re-
minded OF some incident OF her youth OF which she
has told them before begins the story again IL is
very amusing or touching 10 her; but ia moment
yawns, and her husband usually walks out OF the
room. she stops siOrt with tears IN her eyes. Bob
is captain OF his base ball nine, John Is a noted
tennis player, and Clara rs really ine musician;
nobody at home takes any interest In their little
victories, and II one OF them speaks OF SOME sue
cess the Others hear II with unconcealed indi1er-
ence or do not listen II at all
Yet the Tregears are fond OF each other when
one OF them ID III, the others are In agony OF
alarm; each OF them, when away from home, holds
up the others as the standard OF excellence, and
MEASURES all other people by H. The fatal defect
In their character Is lack or courtesy To strangers
abroad guests in their own house they are polite
enough visitor may bore them with tw1ce-told
tales and they viii listen attentvely; the choicest
bits are placed on his plate they rise al his en-
trance, and treat him IN every way with Difference
and careful attention. But Mr.. Tregear says "I
hate the bowling and scraping and fol-de-r0l OF
civility In q family. We know each other, and
know thas we love each other What more u
wanued?" The whole family conduct h based on
this maxim The result Is incessant grating rasp-
ing. ul-humor and q secret bitterness OF soul
Esch OF the Tregears Is lonely Al heart, and be-
iieyos himself or herself unloved.
or how many families into which the Conpan-
lon, pepetrates 10 the above true plcture9 Great
sfYecion and confidence which only come 10 the
lIoht in time OF extreme trial not all that Is
needed 70 make houie LIE sunny and happy We
cannot trade on large notes but on the little coin
or precious metal which PASSES readily and makes
daily intercourse easy and pleasant Even In the
mosi loving families there come 60 each member
0ays OF nervous exhaustion and Irrltability IN "a
them thai the habit OF courtesy learned IA child-
hood heips 70 CONCEAL the evil spirit until AZ has
nas.n oxOrc1s d and driven AWAY