Johnstown weekly Democrat. (Johnstown, Cambria County, Pa.) 1889-1916, 1889-08-23

OF Coralie who took pleasure in telling
falsehoods. Some children think very
little of not speaking the truth, and
small falsehood or great one, in case Of
necessity, that saves them from q duty or
punishment, procures them pleasure
or gratifies their self-love, seems to them
the most allowable thing In the world
Now Coralie was one OF this sort. The
truth was thing of which she had no
idea. and any excuse was good to her,
provided 1t was believed. Her parents
were for q long time deceived by her
stories but they saw at last that she was
telling them what was not true. and
from that moment they had not the least
confidence in anything she said.
1t Is terrible thing for parents not to
to be able to believe their children
words. 1t would be better almost
to have no children, for the habit of
lying, early acquired, may lead them
in after years to the most shameful
crimes, and what parent can help trem-
bling at the thought that he may be bring
ing up his children to dishonor2
After vaiply trying every means to re-
form her, Coralie's parents resolved to
take her to the enchanter Merlin, who
was celebrated at that time over all the
globe, and who was the greatest friend of
little children that were in the habit of
telling falsehoods were brought to him
from all directions in order that he might
cure them.
The enchanter Merlin lived in glass
palace, the walls of which we're trans
parent, and never in his whole life had
the idea crossed his mind of Disgusting
one of his actions, of causing others to
believe what was not true, or even of
suffering them to believe 1t by being
silent when he might have spoken. He
knew liars by their odor league off;
and when Coralie approached the palace
he was obliged to burn vinegar to pre-
vent himself from being i'll. .,
Coralie's moth :, with beating heart,
undertook to Lain the vile disease
which had attac I'd her daughter, and
blushingly con-. fenced a confused
speech rendered sty by shame, when
Merlin stopped h short.
II know what Ii the matter, my good
lady," said he. ii felt your daughters
approach long ago. She is one of the
greatest liars in the world, and she has
made me very uncomfortable"
The parents perceived that fame had
not deceive! them in praising the skill
OF the enGhanter, and Coralie, covered
with confusion. knew not where to hide
her head. She took refuge under the
apron Of her mother, who sheltered her
a, wei! as she could, terrified at the turn
affairs were taking while her father stood
before her to protect her at all risks.
lney were very anxious that their child
-hould be cured, but they wished her
cured gently and without hurting her.
Don't be afraid" said Merlin; 81 do
not employ violence in curing these dis
eases. am only going to make Coralie
not displease her,"
He opened q drawer and took from it a
magnificent amethyst necklace, beauti-
full set, with a diamond clasp of dazzling
luster. He put it on Coralie's neck, and
dismissed the parents with friendly
gesture. ''Go, good people" said he,
''and have no more anxiety. Your
daughter carries with her sure guar
dian of the truth "
Coralie, flushed with pleasure, was
hastily retreating, delighted at having
escaped so easily, when Merlin called
her back.
I'm year." said he, looking at her
sternly ~ shall come for my necklace.
Till that time l forbid you to take it of
for single instant; If you dare to do so
woe be unto you
"Oh, ask nothing better than always
to wear it, it is so beautiful"
In order that you may know, l will tell
you that this necklace was none other
than the famous Necklace of Tru H. so
unveiled every species of falsehood.