Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1915-08-24

tation his usually inscrutable counte
nance wore IN expression interpreted
by his father as one Of insane obstina
cy, while Mrs. Schofield found 1t an in
centive to inward prayer. The fine gra
ciousness Of Mr.. Kinosling. however
was unimpaired by the glare Of viru
lent suspicion given him by this little
brother; Mr.. Kinosling mistook 1t fol
n natural curiosity concerning one who
might possibly become, in time, mem
ber Of the family. He patted Penrod
upon the head, which was. for many
reasons, in no condition to be patted
with any pleasure to the pattee. Pen
rod felt himself In the presence Of q
new enemy.
"How do you do, my little lad?" said
Mr.. Kinosling. II trust we shall be
come fast friends"
To the ear Of his little lad 1t seem
ed he said. "A frost we shall bick'
home fawst frainds." Mr.. Kinosling's
pronunciation was. in fact, slightly
precious, and the little lad, simply
mistaking 1t for some cryptic form Of
mockery of himself. assumed mannel
and expression which argued so I'll fol
the proposed friendship that Mrs
schofeld hastily interposed the sug
gestien Of dinner, and the small pro
cession went In to the dining room.
1T has been a delicious day." said
Mr.. Kinosling presently; warm. but
balmy" With a benevolent smile he
addressed Penrod, who sat opposite
him. II suppose, little gentleman, you
have been indulging in the usual out
door sports Of vacation?"
Penrod laid down his fork and glar
ed open mouthed at Mr.. KinOsling.
you'll have another slice Of breast
Of the chicken?" Mr.. Schofeld inquir
ed loudly and quickly.
"a lovely day" exclaimed Margaret
with equal promptitude and emphasis
Lovely; oh, lovely, lovely"
beautiful, beautiful, beautiful" said
Mrs. Schofield. and after a glance al
Penrod which confirmed her impres
sion that he intended to say some
thing she continued, "Yes, beautiful
beautiful, beautiful, beautiful. beaut
full, beautiful"
Penrod closed his mouth and sank
back in his chair. and his relatives
took breath.
Mr.. Kinosling looked pleased. This
responsive family, with its ready en-
thusiasm, made the kind Of audience
he liked. He passed delicate white
hand gracefully over his tall, pale
forehead and smiled indulgently.
Youth relaXes in summer" he said.
"Boyhood Is the age Of relaxadon: one
Is playful, light, free, unfettered. One
runs and leaps and enjoys ones SELF
with ones companions. 1t Is good for
the little lads to play with their friends
they jostle, push and wrestle and
simulate little, happy struggles with
one another In harmless conflict. The
young muscles are toughening. 1t Is
good. Boyish chivalry develops, en-
larges, expands. The young learn
quickly, intuitively, spontaneously
They perceive the obligations Of no
blesse oblige. They begin to comDre-
hend the necessity Of caste and its re-
quirements. They learn what birth
means-ah-that is, they learn what 1t
means to be well born. They learn
courtesy In their games; they learn
politeness, consideration for one anoth-
or In their pastimes, amusements, light
er occupations. I make 1t my pleasure
to Join them often, for l sympathize
with them In all their wholesome joys
as we'll as In their little bothers and
perplexides. 1 understand them, you
see; and let me tell you 1t is no easy
matter to understand the little lads and
lassies." He sent to each listener bis
beaming glance and, permitting 1t to
come to rest upon Penrod, inquired:
"And what do you say to that, little
gentleman
Mr.. schoHeld uttered stentorian
cough. More? You'd better have
some more chicken! More! Do"
more chickenw urged Margaret 81.
multaneously. "Do please! PleaseI
Morel Do! More!'
Beautiful, beautiful" began Mrs.
Schofield. Beautiful. beautiful. beau
tiful, beautiful"-
It. Is not known in what light Mr..
Kinosling viewed the expression OF
Penrod's face. Perhaps he mistook II
for awe; perhaps he received no I'm
preston at all of its extraordinary
quality. He was rather self engross-
ed young man, just then engaged In a
double occupation, for he not only talk
ed, but supplied from his own con-
seriousness critical though favorable
auditor as we'll, which, Of course, kept
him quite busy. Besides, 1t Is oftener
than Is suspected the case that ex-
tremely peculiar expressions upon the
countenances Of boys are entirely over
looked and suggest nothing to the
minds Of people staring straight at
them Certainly Penrod's expression
which to the perception Of his family
was perfectly horrible-caused not the
faintest perturbation in the breast of
Mr.. Knosling.
Mr.. Kinosling waived the chicken
and continued to talk. Eyes, l think
1 may claim to understand boys" he
said, smiling thoughtfully. Zone has
been a boy oneself. All, 1t Is all play
time! / hope our young scholar here
does not overwork himself at his Latin,
at his classics. as l did. SO that at the
age Of eight years l was compelled to
wear glasses. He must be careful not
to strain the little eyes ut his scholars
tasks, not to let the little shoulders
grow round over his scholars desk.
Youth Is golden. We should keep II
golden, bright, glistening. Youth should
frolic. should be sprightly. 1t should
play its cricket, its tennis, its hand,
ball. 1t should run and leap; It should
laugh. should sing madrigals and
glees, carol with the lark, ring out In
chanties. folk songs, ballads. rounde'
lays
He talked on. At any instant Mr.
Echofield held himself ready to cough
vehemently and shout, "More chicken
, ko droxyn ont ponrod In case the fata]