The Pascagoula democrat-star. (Pascagoula, Miss.) 1878-1920, 1896-06-19
ETHEL'S GREAT MISTAKE.


prctticst OF white cottages, with the
whiteSt Of white-painted blinds. and
the dainticS of gardens running all
around the house, way ont to the neat
graveled walk beyond.
Ethel was very fortunate girl. for
she was the only child of a mother
who loved her dearly. and the only
grandchild OF an old grandfather
whose only wish was to see his ''littlc
girl" rs he called her, happy.
But with all her blessings Ethel had
one fault which got her into u great
deal Of trouble, and which, before she
was cured of it, made many enemies
for her and caused her to be the most
unpopular girl in school.
Ethel's great fault was sclashncss.
She demanded Of her schOOlmates 50
much attention that, at all the little
picnicS Of the school. there was sure
to be some who would say: "Lct us
leave Ethel Grey at home! She makes
us wait on her until do not want to
go II she Is invitcd!.'
Ethel was always greatly mortified
when these things reached her ears.
and for few days she would he more
conSidcratc. But within II week the
old habit would come back to her.
In Il little while the children all
learned to avoid Ethcl's house, and
even the boys forgot their poitcncss
and ran until they were past her
door and out of sight OF hcr window.
Thus. you see, that, by the time
Ethel was fourteen years old, she was
Il very unpopular girl indeed although
she was very kind to the poor, and
none ever called upon her to help in
any church or Sunday-school work
without getting generous response.
But to be thoughtful every day was
more than poor Ethel could do. And
it was this thought that brought to
her the greatest sorrow Of her young
life.
One day, Ethcl's Aunt Avis. an old
lady from the far West. came to make
a visit and was at once so pleased with
Ethcl's pretty manners and sweet
face that she spoke her admiration in
terms that delighted both Ethel and
her mama.
But it was not long before Aunt
Avis began to notice Ethel's indo-
lchcc; and the old-fashioned aunt was
so surprised that, although Il guest,
she spoke of it frequently.
81 WONDER" said she one day to
Ethcl's mother, that you permit
Ethel to go on in this way. Because,
my dear, you are spelling lovely girl
who will some time blame you for not
telling her of her fault. See! She Is
in the garden now ordering her grand
1 father about
Ethcl's voice came through the win
dow:
II have dropped my hatful OF flow
crs. Grandpa, please pick them up
Ethcl's mother smiled, but Aun,
Avis looked very serious, indeed
The next time she saw Ethel she sale
gently:
My dear, do you not think tha
you could be more helpful to YOU
mother and ask less Of those arount
you?"
But Ethel only blushed at the re
buke and went on before. The da.
Aunt Avis went home Ethel was un
, usually domineering.
"Aunt Avis" said she, IL wish y0l
would finish knitting my mittcns be
fore you 20. And | want you to max
some of that nice cake, and help m
arrange these plants In the window
garden, and help me at cvcr'sO man
/. things besidcs."
: Aunt Avis said nothing, but
: Ethel had not been SO sclf.absorbc
she could easily have seen the pcculia
expression which came into her aunt
y face. A week after Aunt Avis's d.
parturc there came letter whic
' drove Ethel nearly wild with grit
and modification.
~ am going Abroad said the lei
. ter, land l had hoped to take Eth,
with me, as I know she would enjoy