Milford chronicle., 1937-09-03
FOR THE SAKE OF PEACE
BY Hilda Richmond

MIS-. tOuipkiub udu SuueTSu
slight injury to her ankle in an au.
TO accident while her husband was
away from home, SO a competent
young woman, relative and a tea.
cher, had come to look after the four
lively Tompkins children until their
mother could get about once more
One day the invalid's mother came to
visit her, to see how things were go
ing. She was amazed, since her
daughter suffered little pain. to find
her weeping silently but bitterly.
mo, my ankle doesn't hurt me"
said Mrs. Tompkins. TITS the chill
dren."
"The children? Why, Eleanor.
they are all well, and / never knew
them to be more obedient and con-
tented than they are right now" :
That's just the trouble, Mother!
Ruth never had any children, and
yet she has more influence over my
children than / ever had. They tease
and torment me until want to
scream, but Ruth can she = they
seem to love her more than they do
their own mother!"
The elder lady tried to soothe the
young mother, but failing, to do SO.
she wisely let her have her cry out.
BY this time the children had been
driven into the house by a sudden
shower and In subdued tones were
discussing some childish matter in
the next room. The two ladies lis
tened intently.
You go and ask Cousin Ruth,
Bob, cause you're the Oldest" urged
Amelia.
Didn't you hear her say no? de-
manded Bob.
Yes. but we can coax her. Maybe
she'll change her mind. Mother
does" said little Bess, the baby of
the four.
mot bit of use!" said Helen
with emphasis. when Cousin Ruth
says no she means no. Let's play
block house."
There! You see how it is, Mo-
ther! I've worked and sacrificed for
those children ever since they were
born, yet Ruth actually has more
influence over them than I have.
Aunt Maria was here yesterday, and
she said that If my ankle kept me
tied down a little longer Ruth would
have my children civilized. You know
Aunt Maria prides herself on being
plain spoken no matter whose feel
Ings may be hurt She actually told |
me, right to my. face. that my chill
iren are unpopular in the neighbor-
hood. I'm sure I've tried hard |
enough to bring them up property. |
Maybe am a little too easy with |
hem, but they tease and torment me |
Until my patience gives out and then
/ give them their own way for the
sake of peace" Poor Mrs. Tompkins
retired again behind her limp hand
Ierchief.
'Ncw, Eleanor, you are making a
out of mole HILL" said
Ter mother. why not take few
essons from Ruth who is a success
ul teacher and a well poised young
,erson. Study her methods, and
QUILL be happier and so will the
hildren."
Even my own mother deserts
me-" wept Mrs. Tompkins. Il want
ny children to be able to say all
heir lives that they had a happy
hildhood and a devoted mother. l
ont believe in harsh methods with
title folks"
Does Ruth use harsh methods,
'leanor?"
Mrs. Tompkins cast aside her
and sat bolt upright.
he did not answer for a few NOM
nts. Then she said, Come to think
I 1t she never raises her voice, and
he never reproaches nor scolds.
erhaps had better take leaf out
{ her book of rules, Mother. | do
ant my children to be liked by '
yeryone. q
Her mother smiled, sympathetical- q
:, but said nothing. Z
Maybe IL is worth a sprained
nkle." continued Mrs. Tompkins, I
effectively, ito get a lesson like 4
IFS. l haven't enjoyed it. thought! L
ou must help me. Mother" L
"Of course" said her mother ris- s
Il to go. Begin by enjoying Ruth d
ST as the children do, and see II s
~ can find out what 1t is that she
,es. for the sake of peace Why "
% the children contented and hap "