Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-06-24

Hes out playing in the yard Mrs.
Bassett returned. Il heard his voice
Just now. think"
Everywhere hear wonderful re-
port Of him." said Mr.. Kinosling. Il
may say that I understand boys. and
feel that he 10 . rare. fine. a pure
spirit I say spirit. for spirit Is the
word I hear spoken of him"
A chorus Of enthusiastic appreciation
affirmed the accuracy OF this proclama-
ton. ana Mrs. Bassett flushed with
pleasure. Georges spiritual perfec-
ton was demonstrated by instances of
it, related by the visitors: his piety
was cited. and wonderful things he
had said were quoted.
Not all boys are pure. of fine spirit.
of high mind. of noble purpose" said
Mr.. Kinosling. and continued with real
feeling: You have a neighbor. dear
Mrs. Bassett. whose household / indeed
really feel 1t quite impossible to visit
stronger handed. more determined dis
cipline shall prevail I ind Mr.. and
Mrs. Schoneld and their daughter
charming. but
Three or four ladies' said "Oh" and
spoke q name simultaneously. 1t was
as II they had said. "Oh. the bubonic
plague"
George. does not play with him.
said Mrs. Bassett quickly: that is. he
avoids him as much as he can without
hurting Penrods feelings. Georgia is
pose a mother should not tell these
things. and l know people who talk
about their own children are dreadful
bores. but 1t was only last Thursday
night that George looked up in my
face so sweetly, after he had said his
prayers, and his little cheeks flushed as
he said: Mamma. 1 think it would be
right for me to go more with Penrod.
1 think 1t would make him a better
boy"
sibilance went about the room.
Sweet How sweet! The sweet little
soul. All. sweet"
And that very afternoon" continued
Mrs. Bassett. he had come homo in a
dreadful state. Penrod had thrown tar
all over him"
Your son has forgiving spirit.
said Mr.. Kinosling. "A too forgiving
spirit. perhaps" He set down his glass
thank you. Was it not Cardinal New
man who said"
He was interrupted by the sounds of
an alteration Just outside the closed
blinds Of the window nearest him.
voice Of Samuel Williams. "Didn't we
come over here to give him one of his
own trees. Give him a fair show. can't
your"
The little lads" Mr.. Kinosling
smiled Ihey nave their games, their
outdoor sports. their pastimes. The
young muscles are toughening. 1t Is
good. The sun will not harm them
They grow; they expand: they learn
They learn fair play, honor. courtesy
from one another. as pebbles grow
round in the brook. They learn more
from themselves than from us. They
take shape. form. outline. Let them"
"Mr. Kinosling?" Another eager spin
ster-undeterred by what had happened
to Miss Beam-leaned far forward, her
face shining and ardent. Mr. Kinos-
ling. there's question l SO wish to ask
you"
MY dear Miss Cosslit," Mr. KinosIing
responded. again waving his hand and
watching 1T. Il am entirely at your dis
>posal."
"Was Joan Of Arc" she asked. fer
veptly. inspired by spirits?"
He smiled indulgently. Yes and
no." he said. "One must give both an
swers. One must give the answer
yes: one must give the answer, no "
'Oh. thank you" said Miss Cosslit.
blushing. She's one of my great en-
thusiasms. you know"
And l have a question. too" urged
another lady, after a moments hasty
concentration. I've never been able to
settle it for myself but now"