The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1895-09-08
IruthfulnesS.


"Trrthfalness," wrote Katie Powers, I'm
confession album, opposite the ques-
ton, What is your favorite virtuey''
and her brother, Ray. who stood look
Ing over her shoulder, was pleased 10 in
dorsc the answer in emphatic terms:
'Truthfulness ii is, Katie; no doubt
about that. In telling the truth. you give
sterling article every time, all wool and
a yard wide, and thirty-iive and seven
Fights inches thrown in. In telling the
truth you beat the record George Wash
ingtOn was nowhere in comparison. why
you"
Ray, dear" said Mrs. Powers. gently,
do not tease your sister. Truthfulness
is an admirable trait Of character. and
I'm glad"-herc Mrs Powers made 1T
tie movement OF the throat, as though
swallowing something. and the faint per-
pendicular lines on her forehead deep
ened sishtly-'I am very glad Katie is
SO truthful
But when mischievous Ray bounded TO
his mothers side and whispered, with an
arch look, Mamma, dear. are yoa sure
you are telling the truth--the whole
truth now?' Mrs. Powers smiled as her
eyes met those Of the roguish boy.
1t is fault on the right side, Ray"
she said, softly; and her eyes TUNED
again with wistful look 10 her daugh-
ter, as she sat at the table writing an
swers 10 the questions in the confession
album.
Katie's dress betrayed some careless
ness. Here and there pin had been
made 10 DO duty instead OF a hook or
button, and from her loosely braided
lair some struggling locks were hanging.
she had fair complexion. large gray
eyes and fun. wide forehead She
vas writing slowly, and considering care
fuily each answer. for with Katie words
were serious things. and it would never
occur 10 her 10 set down her fayorite
color or her preference for certain
hour OF the day, without weighing the
matter carefully. 10 be quite sure that
she Vas telling the exact truth
But WY shouli Katie's truthfulness
excite brothers riiicule and bring a
troubled look TO her mothers gentle facey
ii was assurcdiy not because truth. in
itself, was distasteful TO either, that
kaue's utterances often filed them with
dismay; but that Katie seemed so una
BILE TO perceive the value OF gertleness.
a kindly reticenco. tact. and forbearance
and seemed 10 think that suavlty and po-
likeness could not fail 20 be in league
with falsehood
Katie had beer an enfaut terrible. with
precocious command of language. mat
enabled her. when scarcely more than
baby, 10 refrsc 10 hiss elderly .iiss
Pierce, saying. II won't; 90 is so hidJus. g
And now at fourteen. she had proved
herself capi Bile of saying 10 proud
young mother: 1.-The baby doesn't look
Ike any ore yet. hrs. Burton its fea-
lures haven't any particular shape. Such
little babies all look alike" Miss Cra-
mer, exhibiting her photos. was crushed
by the comment: 80 hey are quite pretty
but they do not look like you, because
thcy rave teen touched so much. ana all
me wrinkles taken out" The Rev. SIR.
Barlow, 'enturing to refer 10 a favorite
passage In a recent sermon. heard from
Katie that no ore could understand al
be said since he lost his front teeth. Mrs.
Powers grew weary OF trying to heal the
wounds inflicted by Katie's ruthless ton
que. and OF hearing the unvarying. SELF
satisfied reply: 1T y thu truth" She