Evening star., 1936-08-01
Children Are
But
Different n t
Only Fair to Consider
Each Without
Partially.
BY ANGELO PATRI.

STEPHEN was the first baby. and
the fairies smiled over his crib,
for he was no trouble at all. He slept
when he should sleep. he ate when the
time came. He made NO protest un-
worthy of his state, and altogether
he was a model baby. His mother got
to thinking that all babies were, or
ought to be, like Stephen. Then Betty
came.
Betty was very like Stephen. Her
eyes we're the same color, her smile
was very like his. She seemed to like
the same food, and the same toys, but
she was aggravating in her differences.
She would not lie quietly in her crib
when she awakened, but began kick
ing about, pulling the bed clothes,
throwing things out of the crib, and,
finally, setting up loud wall of pro-
test that meant, come and get me or
I'll make a noise that will rend your
ears
She played for shorter spells and
liked to throw her toys out of the crib
or the pram. She did not COO as
Stephen did. but screeched, not un-
musically, but still screechily. She had
ways where Stephen had only willing
cooperation. She is very trying
child" said her mother. why in the
world she cannot behave as Stephen
did, is beyond me. He was never a
bit of bother, but have to keep her
on my mind constantly. She won't
wait a minute after her meal time.
She must carry clock in her stom-
ach."
Relatives, fond of Stephen, soon
showed their disapproval of Betty.
"She looks like him, but she GER
tainly does not behave like him.
You'll have your hands full with that
one, Katherine" auntie said, and the
others wagged their heads in agree
ment. "She's handful"
This attitude did not make life
easier for Betty as she grew up. She
had the feeling that the family was
against her and for Stephen. She
shut herself in a shell of reserve, and
whatever went on in her mind was her
own secret. VERY intelligent" said
her teachers, "but so hard to get at.
One never knows what to do to be
helpful"
When it was time to think about
college for Stephen, father and mother
talked it over gravely. Stephen
ought to CO." said mother. $50 should
Betty" said father, land how are we
to manage for both? Things being
as they are"
Mother put all her weight on
Stephens cause, and so it was decided
that Stephen should go. Betty took
it as usual, in silence.
That evening her father, also q
silent person, went to Betty's room
and found her sitting over her books,
her usual reserved self. Betty, you
must 60 to college next year, when
you are ready. I'll send you. I can
borrow the money on this house. You
must go. I wish it."
Betty looked at him and smiled.
"I didn't mind, father, because
thought all the time that you cared.
Now that I know you cared I don't
mind anything. I have a scholarship.
You won't need to borrow any money
for me. I can manage. It was being
shut out always, being counted out
with Stephen always counted in, that
I minded. But I always knew you
wanted it different, and so I got along.
AS long as you are for me nothing else
counts. Thanks so much for coming.
I was feeling a bit cut up. I can go
ahead now" This in broken SEN
tences, father nodding, understanding.
Children are alike, but different. so
be careful to note the likenesses along
with the differences and save yourself
sorrow.