The Catholic bulletin. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1911-1995, 1921-05-28
THE CHILDREN'S HOUR.
DAD AND THE LITTLE COuRTE.
SIZES OF LIFE.

NAV was UuSy CleduluS up the sup
per things when Dad signed to Dusty
to close the door that shut off the
kitchen.
Dusty lazily complied with his ia
theirs dummy request and returned to
his chair expectantly.
Son, | noticed at supper tonight
that you failed to recognize that your
mother is entitled to the same small
courtesies of life as other people.
Il am afraid you take too much for
granted. Perhaps you have been so
used to receiving favors from your
mother that you have, like many an
other child, got the notion that you
are receiving what you are properly
entitled to.
"Well, advise you to take care you
do not abuse that love your mother
lavishes on you. So far, she has
shown excellent Judgment in her part
of your training. Don't lose sight of
that training. Remember that the lit
tie courtesies are important.
Eyes, my boy, the little things of life
have far more effect upon character,
reputation, friendship and fortune
than heartless and superficial people
are apt to think. AS you grow older
you will realize this.
Il have often noticed that they are
few indeed, however rough by nature,
who are not touched and softened by
kindness and courtesy. A civil word,
friendly remark, kindly act, an
affable bow of recognition-aH have
an influence. Surliness, incivility,
harshness and ill-temper never help
you along.
ut certainly makes me smile to hear
people say that they are too busy to
cultivate and practice those little pro-
prieties of life. No wonder we see so
many deficiencies in these things.
After all, these courtesies are admir-
ably calculated to sweeten the inter-
course of society, to encourage friend
ly feelings and to enliven the general
communion that takes place from day
to day between neighbors and com.
panions
friendly visit, to answer polite note.
Be sure to return neighbours call.
Don't return pleasant smile with a
cold look of Indifference and don't
forget to shake hands cordially.
sTrue, kind word is but a small
thing, but it may change the appear
ance of the whole world to many a
despairing person. A kind action may
cost but moments effort, but it may
mean much for him who thinks he is
down and out"
''Oh, Dad, that puts me in mind of
something. You know that day we
waited so long at a junction for a
train home? Well, when you went out
| of the waiting room / heard a little
boy say to the lady he was with that
he was hungry and she whispered she
had nothing to give him.
After while a man nearby stood
! up and walked over to another who
was his wife, guess, for he didn't lift
his hat to her or anything, and said
something to her. She smiled, took an
apple and piece of cake out of her
bag and gave them to him. These he
gave to the little boy and bowed in a
most polite way to the boys friend.
| Wasn't that nice of him, Dad?"
"Uh-huh."
Just then the kitchen door opened
and Nav came in.
Dusty sprang to get her chair and
when she was seated Dad offered her
half of the paper
Nav seemed dazed, then smiled her
| thanks, but said nothing.
''Son, give me my pipe and tobacco
Dusty complied with such alacrity
that Nav looked puzzled.
"Now a match
Thanks