The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1922-07-21
THE SYSTEM
BY IDA W. GOULD

Sc<SSSSSSSSSSSSrrS
g. 1922. by Mcclure Newspaper syndicate.
When Peter Tomkins led blushlng
system had not married their court
ship. Sarah came of a line of for
bears whose every detail of life had
been ordered by system.
But TO Peter she was radiant, neat.
altogether bewitching, and brougk;
quite 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 cot
fee; his former limit Fad been three.
Her smile paved tie way for carrying
ner system unfiiachingly into all
branches of home economics.
In course of time twin boys blessed
their union.
her system. Peter called her one
morning at six to tell her that the
boys were wailing piteously.
THAT'S good" said Sallie, with a
lovely smile. 'They must cry, Peter,
an hour a day for their lung-strength-
ening stunt"
SaIlie 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, it happened that Tom
kins, being at home for brief vaca-
ton, and Sallie due at an important
meeting at the club, had been assigned
the care of his boys.
TOmllins was astounded at finding
Davy and Dot covered with mOlasses
The maid having left them a moment.
they made quick work Of upsetting
the sticky fluid, each smearing the
other.
Bewildered, incredulous Tomkins
saw Sallie anxiouslR 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 a,d by their ia
ther, tossed him kiss, saying, you'll
see that those boys will never again
touch molasses. By-bye."
Away she went, and was on time,
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.
Early in babyhood days they had
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, and
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 to
the lure of the circus?
Sallie emphaticaIly said mo" to
their plea dings. She had 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 Prfm said,
''But Mrs. Tomkins' system"
She was interrupted by ToInkins.
Hang the system! Excuse me. Miss
Prim: send the boys out here"
In few moments out came the
twins and he hurried them off to the
circus grounds.
The twins certainly had wonder
ful 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
cuIprits
In stalked the heroic father, laugh
ing almost naturally. two hungry,
tired sons joined feebIy in his mer-
riment They consumed their meal in
great enjoyment.
Now" cried the victorious father.
"now, what shall we say TO MAJ"
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, abut let me tell
you. Sarah Tomkins, I've overthrown
your system. What's more, hang your
system
"oh--of-. walled the crestfaIlen
Sarah.
These boys are going to be boys,
and not automatic boys. Look at them.
SaIlie Look at me, for your system
exists no longer for them or for their
father. Don't cry, SaHie. You had
to learn your lesson. So had I. Now,
boys, run up to bed. Next year Wen
IN x-ot1- mo