Aberdeen herald. [volume] (Aberdeen, Chehalis County, W.T.) 1886-1917, 1905-11-30
FROM SILENT LIPS.


GIFTS Conduct After lie W as Zone.
When the children went to live at
grandfather's. while their father and
mother were abroad, they blew through
the house like gust OF wind. Doors
slammed from morning until night in
spite of all Aunt Jean could do. Dear
old grandfather, almost wholly deaf,
sat back in his corner and watched
the frolicking with gentle eyes; but
when the voices grew sharp, as they
sometimes did, he WINGED, and when
the doors banged he grOaned softly.
One day he called thirteen year-ol
Betty to him.
MY dear" he said. did you ever
know that as an old persons ears
grow deaf they sometimes grow very
sensitive to noise? DO you know that
it makes pain through my head when
you talk loud or slam that door,"
Il should say didn't know it, you
dear grandpa" cried impulsive Betty,
perching on the arm of his chair and
kissing his cheek as she spoke.
Il was sure you didn't, child he
went on, but that isn't all Some
times. when we don't hear so much
we see more. I've been watching you
since you came, Betty, and want to
ask you to do me little favor
want you to form the habit, as you &C
from one thing to another through
the day. of asking yourself. How will
this affect others?''
Betty had begun to fidget. Brother
Rob was reckoning from outside the
window, but grandfather still held her
hand.
II don't expect to stay here very
long. dear" he was saying, but after
I'm gone my silent lips may speak ia
you better than l can to-day, and you
may remember what l say"
"Now, grandpa. don't talk like that
You're going to be here a long time
yet! There's Rob. He wants me. III
be good, dear" she added, in the tone
Of one who humors a child, and of
she went.
But the very next morning, as Betty
was starting for an all-day picnic. and
mischlevous Rob had hidden her lunch
basket, there was Il loud alteration
that made grandfather put his hands
to his head and groan.
"Grandfather is trying to speak tc
you, Betty" said Aunt Jean.
Yes. | heard him. but | cant hell
how it does affect others this time. It's
all Rob's fault. Give me my basket
sir. You're making me late, There
you'd bettcr!'
| Selling the basket. Betty rushed Out
| OF the house and down the steps. while
the door slammed sharply behind her
When she came back. late that q fter
noon. there was n strange husf
| throughout the house The other chill
dren drew her in, close to grandfather's
empty chair, and told her in awet
whispers how he had fallen asleci
| there a few hours before, never t.
wake again. The frightened girl lis
| tened, but not a sound passed her lips
| until Aunt Jean came. and putting
| both arms round her. led her to The
| bed where grandfather was lying
peaceful and still. Then Betty dropped
on her knees and sobbed.
A month later the absent parent.
were at home again, and they boil
marveled at the change in thoughtles'
Betty; but after day or two the moth
err went to the father with tears il
her eyes.
Betty has told me something beau
| tiful" she said. "The reason she /:
so sweet and thoughtful Is because
whenever she is tempted to do any
thing selfish she imagines She hears
her grandfather's voice saying to her
Betty, how will this affect othcrs:'
Youths Companion.