Norwich bulletin., 1913-05-24
A MOTHERS MEETING

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 hurry and out again. and I knew nothing of him till dark. and wanted him so much. Of course he was all right but when a boy wants for any thing, he never stops to think of home or parents
 Well, call that very grave fault" i" remarked Mrs. Anderson T think the children new-a-d days are bringing up their parents. instead of being brought up by them."
 All very well for you,, Mrs Ander- son." responded Mrs. Hale. you have no children to rear. so. Of course. you know all about it. Childless people always do. I am sure I don't know where Charlie gets his thoughtless- ness, not from me, for I mean to be very judicious in what 1 say, and his father is the most careful of men, Nobody could ever accuse me of N thing from lack of thought"
 z We'll snapped Mrs. Anderson, while the color rushed to her face, If there is one thing l do know and prac tise it is minding my own business, and it seems to me we should all get along better if. some people l know did the same
 Here Mrs. Sprague played the part of peacemaker. and tried to smooth over matters between her guests.
 T read the other day" said she, that a little education that teaches self control is better than much greater learning that neglects it. I talked to the children about 1t. Now Roger is usually quiet and self-con- trolled, but Rosalie is so nervous and irritable. She keeps me talking to her all the time about her conduct, and do get so out of patience with her There are days when nothing suits her, and I wear myself out scolding her to make her more tractable. l am sure at her age I was more patient and self-restrained, but I find it very hard to bring up my children as l would like to do. Yours are so we'll trained, Mrs. Dalton, I wish I knew your method. 1t must be different from those of most people Won't you tell me how you, manage?" turning to that member of the group, who had been silent thus far.
 "Oh, don't believe I know how I manage" laughed Mrs. Dalton my children and I are great chums. and they are at home with me most of the time. You know I am not a club women, and have few interests outside of my household. I have often been accused of lack of public spirit and social interest, but l find so many du- ties and pleasures with my children and in my home I have never been able to employ a nurse for the in their outings. day in the Park, or trip to seaside or woods, or a river sail gives us all a frequent change, and I enjoy them as much as do the children. As to discipline, I find it quite unnecessary. Never threaten, I might add. Do not nag the children. They are not perfect any more than I, but an occasional reproof has more effect l find, than constant criticism. There, I have made quite an address out of simple matter, haven't l? l didn't mean to do so. and beg pardon for taking so much of your time"
 Thank you" said Mrs. Sprague, and Mrs. Hale joined in. 'I mean to try your plan and prove it's worth"
 Here they were interrupted by the entrance of Miss Crofton, who was informed as to the way the hour had been spent. She declared her ap- provaI of all that had been done.
 Much better. ladies'" said she, than to spend the time in idle gos sip. I've just come from a card party at Mrs. Harry Brigdens, and though they called it Whist. a buster set of tongues I never encountered. The domestic affairs of several families in their set were freely discussed, and no mercy was shown in pulling them to pieces, and pointing out who was to be blamed in each case. You know the Blanchards are so unhappy. Now if there is anything l hate. it is gos sip, but they do say she has been very indiscreet, and he has been driv en to excessive drinking, and the up shot of it is. she has gone to her mothers, and he. poor fellow. has sailed for Europe alone for an indef1n ite stay. Then they reported that un- fortunate investments have brought the Lowells to ruin. and they must sell their fine establishment and seek more modest quarters. Quite a. come down for my fine lady! She has held her head so high. But l am afraid I have said too much. I wouldn't gossip for the world. I detest it. No one can accuse me of spreading tales of other people. It is such a waste of time. but l knew you would all want to hear the latest news. Go on with your meeting. please. I'll sit and listen with profit. l presume"
 But the group felt that their time to disperse had arrived, and one after another arose to say farewell to their hostess.
 q have enjoyed the afternoon so much" said she in return. wish we might repeat the experience often.
 Yes" said Mrs. Hale, hold the next one with me month from now, at my house. Remember the date now all of you. for I shall be sure to for get it."
 wen remind you of It." suggested another, "and be ready to report great improvement in our domestic affairs from following Mrs, Dalton's advice" " Good bye all and a cordial welcome e to my house for next time" respond ed Mrs Hale; and Mrs. Sprague was left with much to think of as result of the Mothers Meeting"
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