Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1890-04-15
MISCELLANEOUS.
Keep the Boys Happy.


In the course of a vacation, i spend few
days in two families, and the contrast in the
way they managed theis chlldren was SO strik-
ing, that cannot refrain from noting them,
down for the consideration of parents.
Mr.. Ashley was weIl-to-do farmer he had
an abundance of the worlds goods, good
farm, fine cattle, splendid horses, and a very
comfortable ,housei nothing magnificent in
building or furnishing but neat aud pretty
The two eldest children were daughters, and
were nice, tidy, polite girls there were Eve
boys, from fourteen years of age down to five
bright, wide-awake little fellows, but more
riotous, disorderly set Of urchins never saw
in one house. 1t was perfect Bedlum from
the time they were out of their beds in the
morning till they were sent to their rooms at
night. They were ont of school for two
months vacation, and I do believe there was
not an hour in the day that the mother did not
exclafm: 81 shall be glad when you are off at
school again7'
The girls were fretting at and scoldlng them
continually, and do not believe pleasant
word was given them the live-lopg day, l was
sorry for them all, the boys were not happy,
the mother was miserable, and the sisters were
wretched, and must say it was a positive re-
lief when they were sent to bed. sethere could
be little quiet. OF course, having company.
the parlor was opened, but not one of the boys
was allowed to put his foot on the carpet; they
could come and peep in at the door but q sharp
"clear ont, or loud "keep in the kitchen, you
boys" would send them with heavy stampede
through the hall, making as much racket as
lot of colts. At the table oil was confusion,
and abridged my visit to as short.epace as ct
iquottO you'd allow, AftOr accepting au invita-
ton to spend week With my old schoolmate
She wns so sadly changed from bright lier-
ry girl to sad, fretful woman, that was glad
to go, in tide hope of finding more congenial
stopping place where there were no boys to
keep up rumpus all the time
Ny next visit was to my room mate when we
were in the seminary together. Mr.. Stanton,
met me at the depot-a pleasant, genial-look-
ing man, and gave a cordial Welcome
MY wife would have come with me, i" he said,
"but she thought q hot supper would be more
beneficial to you after your long ride than half
an hour Of her company" After seating me
and arranging things comfortably, he turned.
around; my little boy wanted to come for the
ride, and he is such little'shaver knew we
should not be crowded and always like to
make the little people happy;" and he tossed
brown-eyed, four-year-old boy into the car
riage, saying as he seated himself, 'Here, Bob.
by, sit on papa'e knee"
"oh, there is plenty of room between us on
the seat. said, "do you like to ride, my lit
tie man7n
"Yes ,maIam, very much" he answered,
glapcing into my face. Not another word did
he sheak till we drove through the gate up to
the wide porch. when he said, There is mann
ma waiting for u.s."
Eighteen years had not wrought much change
in Mrs. Stanton. There was just a little frost
visible among her brown hair, but her brow
was just as smooth. and her smile just as sweet,
as in the olden time when we were girls to-
gether. Very soon supper was on the table
In perfect order and quiet six rosy-cheeked
boys gathered to their places, little Bobby sit
ting in high chair by Mr.. Stanton.
These are not all yours, May ?" 1 exclaimed
as they ranged along the whole side of the
long table, with folded hands.
own every one of them, and the seventh
son-the DOCTOR, you know-Is asleep in his
CRADLE" and she gave a merry laugh, as she
saw my look of surprise
Goodness me! and you look so young and
happy!"
am just your age am happy. 1 have
a pleasant home, a kind husband, and blessed
children, but have no daughter. Our little
May, between Bobby and the Doctor, died
when only year old /; we missed her so much.
and her eyes glistened with uushed tears, A.
she spoke.
Not child's voice was heard through the
whole meal. Theparents supplied their wauts
and we chatted as cheerfulIy as II there had
been no children present. A pleasant looking
girl took the little one from his chair and car
ried him to the nursery.
81 have no PaFlOr, =" my friend said, 81 want
my little ones TO be with MS, so we use the sit
ting-room for our reception ROOM"
The children came in quietly some Of them
gathered round the centre table, over which
hung lamp; the eldest took book to read
two took dominoes and two jackstraws. Baby
climbed on bis fathers knee, and little Doctor
sat With his mother. When the clock struck
seven the olaeat son closed hie book.
Coma, little Bob, It is bed time. The little
feIloF kissed his father and mother and went
quietly Away 49,
At eight O'Clock the. dominoes were placed
in their box, ,.the jackStraws put In place. and
the four little ones gave their goodnight kiss
and vent off TO bed. At nine the oldest son
put his marx IN his book, kissed his. parents
and disappeared.
g Are youE children alwayE Is quietand hap
py as they have been to.nightl" asked
a Why, yesI Only you are company and
they did mot talk over their games above a
whisper. lido not Ike to be disturbed when 1
have visitors. Their father and play an hour
with them generally; they enjoy II 80 much
that we enjoy IT too"
How did you teacht them In the first placer"
"I am sure cannot tell, always tried to
make them happy, they are good, Of course,
and / want them 20 love home The best Of All