The potters herald. [volume] (East Liverpool, Ohio) 1899-1982, 1938-09-01
A MOTHER SOLVES
A PROBLEM
LILLE M. SAUNDERS

= 'Betty, may l wear your white
scarf this evening"" asked thirteen
year-old Jean Mason of her sister, who
was two years her senior. The girls
were dressing to go to a school play.
81 want to wear it myself" replied
Betty.
"You are wearing your black dress.
Why don't you use your black scarf
and let me have the white one? 1t will
look so much better with my blue dress
than my old striped one does. Please,
Betty"
"No, | can't. | tell you | want to
wear it myself. Besides, your scarf is
pretty"
at isn't! | never did like the ugly
old thing If you think it's so pretty
why don't you trade with me-"
81 don't want to. It's nice of you to
talk that way about present"
"Present or no present, it's ugly and
I'll not wear it, SO there! You get all
the pretty things anyway.
81 do not. How about your new
purse? | still have to use my old one.
You have nothing to complain about.
You get as many new things as / do"
'No, | don't Mother spends twice
as much on your clothes as she does
on mine. It's not fair" jeans voice
was shrilly indignant.
"Girls, whatever is the matter ?"
Mrs. Mason had stepped to the partly
open bedroom door.
ooh, jeans angry because | can't
lend her my white scarf. want to
wear it myself" answered Betty, TAX
ing the initiative as the privilege of
her seniority.
whats the matter with your own
scarf, Jean?" asked Mrs. Mason.
at doesn't go well with the rest of
my things"
81 should think it would. 1t has all
colors in it,"
Eyes, that's the trouble. 1t has too
many colors." The words were tinged
with resentment.
"She says get all the pretty things
and that you spend twice as much
money"
''Betty-stop. Should anyone repeat
remarks like that? ?" interrupted Mrs
Mason.
"No, suppose not" muttered the
girl. ~. \
Jean, you may wear my white
scarf this evening"
"No, Mother, thank you. Mine will
do. Pm sorry | was cross" was the
contrite reply.
Mrs. Mason left the room, but soor
returned "Here is my scarf, Jean.
wish you to wear it," she said.
The following day, when the girls
We're at home during the noon period
Mrs. Mason gave both Of them blank
books as she said, write your name
on your book cover. | will give you
each a certain sum Of money every
month That will be your allowance
For long time you have helped me
to choose your clothes. Now | will
help you when you wish me to do so
You are to use your money for what
ever you consider most necessary. Bu
you MUST keep complete accoun
of it and your manner Of spending it
Every two weeks, balance your book
You may use your allowance as yol
wish but when it is gone you vii
have to do without until your next sun
is due. If you borrow from each other
be sure to pay your debt at the time
agreed upon"
'Oh, thank you, Mother! That vii
be wonderful" exclaimed Betty. Jeal
smiled her pleasure and appreciation
The experience Of having and hand
ling their own money taught th'
sisters many valuable lessons. The.
learned how to balance their budgets
how to consider before spending an'
how to discharge obligations when due
and learned, also, the pleasure to b.
had in planning and buying for other
the pure happiness of having an'