The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1891-10-23
AS IT LOOKS TO WOMEN.
Children Hurt through Having Their
Motives Mistaken.
AN EPISODE MUCH IN POINT.
Mothers Must he Careful Not to MiscOn-
strue the Actions of Their Little Men
aud Women They should Look Back
at Their own Childhood.

weary Of It all, and yet OF children ! wish
TO speak. Would that my voice could
reach every Woman's heart, whether
mother, sister or teacher First, ] wish TO
lead you back 10 your own childhood. Did
you ever begin 70 do some odd job that you
had not been told 20 do. but that you sup
posed yourself fully capable Of performing.
expecting TO be thanked for kindly help
ing, only to find that You had done the
worst piece OF mischief that you possibly
could, and, more than all. were told that
You had done IL out of pure mischievous-
nessi
If you never had such an experience IL
must have been because servants were so
plenty that nothing was left TO do, or that
you were too indolent To exert yourself. A
friend that was visiting had bright boy
Of six years, with loving disposition, al
ways willing 10 help every one, but appar.
emily the most mischievous OF children.
His mother was In despair. She contided
her trouble 10 me, and resolved TO watch
him, and see If could not find out the rea-
son he had won such a name as Little
Mischief"
The next morning at the table, my friend
remarked that the weather was so beauti-
full that she would remove her plants from
the sunny window they occupied to the
veranda; but, she added. 81 do dread to do
It.; II Is so tedious, and IL tires me So"
WANTED TO HELP MOTHER.
I aotioed how the little eyes sparkled,
and knew as well as II he had told me that
the little fellow had heard what she said
and would try to do the much dreaded Job
for her. Not long after she ran over to
Mrs. AS and no sooner did the gate shut
than Harry was active. The flower stand
was already in the accustomed place, wait
ing for the plants. One by one, carefully
he lifted the heavy pots, and, without
breaking a leaf, transferred them To their
summer quarters. Sometimes he paused
a moment to rest, then went bravely to
work again. His face was a picture of
happiness. He was helping his mamma.
watched and wondered If this would
also be laid to his mischlevous propensi-
ties. My friend was gone rather longer
than she expected for, as she told me
afterward, Mrs. A. had love OF a bonnet
that she must see, as well as several costly
additions TO her parlor furniture. Ahl
there lay the secret Of her discontented
looks, for she had told me that owing to
eeveral losses she would not be able TO ex-
pend much money on her summer outfit.
As she came In the gate her face passed
through all the phases of surprise. dismay,
and finally anger,
Harry, come here this instant. What
have you been doingf How dare you touch
my plantsp
Singing blows fell on the hands that
had toiled SO thanklessly.
'You are always into some mischiefp
she exclaimed.
watched the child; he was heartbroken.
His bosom heayed. and his sobs were pitt
full.
go to your room and stay the rest OF
the morning" He obeyed.
"Therel What did tell your How can
manage such a boy"
by simply understanding him." l re-
piled.
"what do you mean"
"This. Your little boy wanted to help
you; / read IL in his face. His motives
were the best You said it tired you so,
and he generously did the disagreeable
task for you"
"But IL he had dropped one"
"He did not, and If he had, broken
plant Is better than broken heart. tell
you candidly, II you do not act differently
with that boy he is ruined" They were
harsh words. but knew the mother heart
would in time forgive them.
"What can doP
Put yourself in his place. Find out his
motive IL you can, and, believe me. ten
times out OF twelve what passes for mis-
chief Is only a wish 10 tighten your bur.
dens; desire of the loving heart to help
you"
She went with mo 10 the veranda. We
rearranged the plants, and called heI at
tention TO the heavy pots, and then to the
little aching arms and back, and after she
had acknowledged she was glad they were
moved. begged her TO tell her little boy
the same"
"Whati acknowledge that l did wrong
TO punish himi | would lose all control
over him II did that"
"Try this time aud see." urged. And
she did
WHEN SHE UNDERSTOOD nIM.
When she entered Harry's room he sat
IN chair by the window. quietly watch
ing the floating clouds Still smarting
from a sense of injustice. he did not look
around OF smile.
Harry, come here" He obeyed. "Why
did you move the plantsi Tell me tho cx.
act truth"
He looked up 10 her face, and reading
encouragement there simply said
most a man now | can help you lots. |
did not break one, not sne, mamma, and
they were heavy. Are you glad now did
1t, mammal
"Yes, yes, Harry. and | was cross and
hurt your hand. ] am sorry"
"Oh, IL does not hurt any more now.
Next time I'll wait till you tell mo
They came back together, aud | saw by
the looks OF my friend that she had learned
a lesson not soon To be forgotten. That
was six years ago. They called while pass
ing through our town this winter. and
more Rentlemanly, helpful boy would be
hard To find. She said; IL have you TO
thank. From the day of the much needed
lesson watched and looked iuto the mo-
tiyes Of my child, aud always found that
the so called mischief arose from desire
90 be useful ! Soou got acquainted with
my boy aud had no more trouble with him.
He is now my greatest comfort"
Mothers, fathers. all that have charge OF
precious souls. beware how you miscon-
strue their motiyes Though they may
perhaps seem to do things out OF pure mis-.
chief. be sure 1t Is 80 before you punish
Ia.s N..ts "A