Norwich bulletin. [volume] (Norwich, Conn.) 1895-2011, 1916-12-14
THE MYSTERIOUS SOCIETY

your parents companions and one with
you, then, and not until then, will |
give my consent for you to join any
other society than those that you are
now members Of
why that is similar to what my IA
Their said" responded Estelle, quickly,
land my mother cried, Edith. But
what are we going to do about it?''
II have been thinking" added ia
net, that we school girls, the ones,
who will be willing, unite with US and
form a society to help our parents to
share with them in all things-our
companionship, pleasures, recreations,
etc"
"oh, that viii be jolly" cried the
two girls. adding: We shall be SO
happy that we shall not realize that
we are not together as UGH as usual"
and Oh cried they, I'VE can aid
and help others besides those in our
own homes, so that they, too, can have
some spare time"
I'VE can't do everything at once"
said Janet We shall have to work
up, and as we grow proficient in it, can
expand and extend our work.
Let's keep it 8. secret. We are all
right in so doing, for our parents gave
their consent to our joining such So
cfety if one was founded"
Yes. yes. we will" cried Estelle
and Edith. Now what shall we name
our society?"
They decided to call it 1.-THE Lend
a-Hand Society" and then went home
and began to carry out their project.
The next day they told of the sur
prised look of their parents as they
helped them.
Estelle's father and mother took a
walk in the evening: Janet's parents
sat down and read for awhile: and
stories to the younger members Of the
family.
The girls decided to give Saturday
and three afternoons to the work of
their society unless extra time was
needed for studying for examinations.
They met and studied together even
lngS as usual.
The society fourished and new
members were added. The boys scent
ed the mystery and could see that
their sisters were helping their moth
ers, so they formed Helpers Club
andsAided father, mother and sisters,
too, whenever opportunity opened the
way.
Homes were improved, enlivened,
and the inmates many times preferred
their own families companienship to
pleasures outside. Parents and chill
| dren walked and rode together. Stran-
gers were puzzled to discover that
persons who they thought were an
older SiSte., or schoolmates We're moth
ers. Mothers looked young. and their
good looks returned. since they had
been relieved from much care. anxiety
| md responsibility. and had time for
reading. amusement and recreation,
then the new dress, hat, ETC., added
tone to their person. The fathers had
also been transformed and the men,
bers OF the two secret societies were
proud of their work
After time the societies united and
were thon known as 1.-THE Helpers
Lend-a-Hand Society"
The parents were rejoicsd to see the
change, but to the Questions asked
the members would bow, smile and
touch the orange bow that they wore
| as the society and name Of same re-
manned a mystery for months, Their
| like most enigmas was solved at last
by the gratified parents and friends
| who encouraged them in many ways
and the members found their pleasures
| increa sing. 3
| The boys and girls realized thai
! ;hcir MEMBERSHIP to this society would
! as they grew older. make them desired
| citizens and better men and women.
DIANA.
~ Fl