The Glenwood post., 1922-09-28
THE SYSTEM
BY IDA w. GOULD

When Peter Tomkins led blushlng
Sarah Leadbetter from the altar, the
System" had not marred their court
ship. Sarah came of line of for
bears whose every detail Of life had
been ordered by system.
But to Peter she was radiant, neat,
altogether bewitching, and brought
quite a dowry
The first two years, he being more
or less under the spell Of her beauty
and pretty ways, did rot perceive the
bands tightening around his freedom.
She allowed him but one cup of cof-
fee; his former limit had been three.
Her smile paved the way for carrying
her system unfinchlngly into all
branches of home economics.
In course OF time twin boys blessed
their union.
Sallie began at once to introduce
her system. Peter called her one
morning at six to tell her that the
boys were waillng piteously.
"Thats good" said Sallie, with
lovely SMILE "They must cry, Peter,
an hour a day for their lung-strength-
ening stunt"
Sallie resumed her association with
the Ladies' Aid society, was regular
in her attendance, efficient and sys-
tematic in all her work outside as
well as in her home.
When the twins were three and a
half years old, 1t happened that Tom
kins, being at home for brief vaca:
tion, and Sallie due at an important
meeting at the club, had been assigned
the care of his boys.
TOmkins was astounded at finding
Davy and Dot covered with molasses.
The maid having left them moment,
they made quick work of upsetting
the sticky fluid, each smearing the
other.
Bewildered, incredulous Tomkins
saw Sallie anxiously consulting her
wrist watch. She saw the hour of
her club meeting approaching. With
an amused survey of the submerged
molasses-covered twins, she saw them
being treated to first aid by their ia
ther, tossed him kiss, saying, "Youll
, see that those boys will never again
touch molasses. By-bye."
discharging her duties at the club to
the last systematized detail. And
poor Tomkins and the maid scraped,
cleaned and comforted as best they
could the unhappy twins.
At six o'clock every night the boys
were marched to their beds.
f,, I,
realized the indomitable power of
/ their mothers system. So they grew
by rule, like little soldiers. When
they were several years older, Mr.
Tomkins ceased demonstrating with
the author of the system. Her stereo
typed reply to some Of the feeble pro
tests had been:
LET the boys get into mischief, ant
the unpleasant results will teach
them TO avoid mischief"
Tomkins gradually reused himself
to high pitch of Indignation at the
system seemingly too formidable for
home rule. 1t might do very well in
business.
So time wore on until-did you ever
hear of boy who was insensible ia
the lure of the circus?
l Sallie emphatically said mo" to
: their pleadings. She had a dressmaker
and could not be away.
Tomkins visited the private school
where Davy and Dot were drowsily
uninterested in their work. He called
Miss Prim from the classroom and de.
manded his boys.
demonstrating, Miss Prim said
"But Mrs. Tomkins' system"
She was interrupted by Tomkins
"Hang the system! Excuse me, Miss
Prim; send the boys out here"
In a few moments out came the
twins and he hurried them off to the
} circus grounds.
, The twins certainly had a wonder
full day, unalloyed by the system.
They were late getting home. Their
mother had eaten in solitary state,
and retired to her den to await the
culprits.
In stalked the heroic father, laugh
ing almost naturally, two hungry
, tired sons Joined feebly in his mer-
riment. They consumed their meal in
great enjoyment.
Now" cried the victorious father.
'now, what shall we say to ma?"
!, The twins giggled. At that moment
their mother walked In, majestic,
pale.
Peter Tomkins. do you realize
; what liberty you took this after
noon, upsetting my system?"
No." yelled Peter, "but let me tell
} you, Sarah Tomkins, I've overthrown
your system. What's more, hang your
system!"
"Oh-oh-" walled the crestfallen
Sarah.
"These boys are going to be boys.
and not automatic boys Look at them,
| SoIIia T,OOlx ut mo for vOur cyctop,