Butler citizen. [volume] (Butler, Pa.) 1877-1922, 1890-10-17
Two Ways OF Doing II.

Come, Sophy, pick up your playthings
now" said mamma. The command was
given decisively, but Sophy, pretty three
year-old, with frmness written on every
delicate feature, demurred. The mothers
face showed the same characteristic, and
battle was soon j. progress, physical
strength, of course, gaining the victory.
Not only was Sophy's evening meal of
graham mush and milk, which immediate
ly followed, eaten between sobs, but even
after sleep had settled over her face the
cheeks were tear stained and red, and a
Unfortunately this program, with slight
variations, was carried ont daily.
But one afternoon it was necessary for
Sophy's mamma to leave home for a
few hours, and a friend volunteered
to stay with the child until the
mothers return. II will try to be at home
at s. the latter said as she was buttoning
up her gloves, ''but if l fail, that is Sophy's
supper hour. Jane will have supper ready.
AS soon as she has eaten. as she is usual
ly very tired, put her to bed. l do not
think she will give you any trouble. Oh,
nearly forgot-do not try to have her
pick up her playthiEgs l always make
her do it before she has her supper, but
have battle scene every day. So, if
don't get home in time just let the things
lie and I'll put them away after she is
asleep"
The afternoon passed pleasantly to Sophy
and her friend, for the latter possessed that
sixth sense, tact, which so soon finds the
way to child's heart. When it was with
in few minutes of 5 o'clock the mother
had not returned. Sophy showed no signs
of WEAKNESS, but the friend sand: "Come,
now, it's time for Sopby's supper" The
child climbed into the friends lap and
turned her scowling eyes on the toy -strewn
floor. ''Pm going to make an experiment,
was the lady's silent resolve So she began
to chant softly and musically, thus:
~ wonder where Sophy's woody lamb
isl Oh, see it lying on the floor; hear it
cry baa- ba-a- ba- a-a, want to go to bed in
my basket in the corner"
This appeal to Sophy's very lively imagi-
nation brought her to the floor with
laugh. With many coa1ing words and
caressing pats the lamb was at once de-
posted in its proper place. Then the lady
began again: ''I wonder where Sophy's
blocks aref oh, l know They all went
off this morning to play, and now it's al
most night, and they're so tired, and they
can't find their way to the basket in the
corner"
This song was also effectual, and Sophy
was, soon showing the blocks "the way
home" So the play went on merrily until
every toy was in its place. Then supper
was eaten amid smiles instead of sobs, and
when mamma returned, few moments
after, it was very gay little daughter
who met her in the hall.
''0h," she thought, anxiously, "I'm al
most sorry to find her awake; now | shall
have another battle over those playthngs,
and I am so tired don't feel equal to it."
Great was her surprise when she entered
the sitting room. ''How did you manager
she exclaimed turning to her friend. The
explanation, however, was deferred until
Sophy had gone happily to bed with a
smile on her lips. Fortunately, the moth
er's common sense was quite as large as
her frmness, and thereafter the daily
picking up" time became a delightful sea-
son of play to Sophy and an undreaded
duty to her mamma.