Milford chronicle., 1938-11-25
THINE AND MINE
Laura cray


Mary Martin step quickened on
her way from school, as she remem-
bered the dainty little pink silk
handkerchief she'd won for a prize
at a party the afternoon before.
Mary was seven,. younger mem
ber of a large family, and a party
was something to be remembered for
life.
Hello, Jim," she called to her big
brother who was starting off on his
bicycle. Il thought you couldn't go
to the picnic because your bicycle
needed a new tire"
$50 It did, but l took one from
Joan's. She can't say anything; she
helped herself to my paints, and has
kept them at school," He speeded
off.
Mary danced on, glad she'd
thought of a good hiding-place for
her darling handkerchief, for in this
family one could never be sure that
any of his personal belongings were
safe. If one Of the boys or girls
wanted a clean handkerchief, or vest
or stockings and had none of his
own handy, he just took his bro
theirs or sisters. Shoes, books, trea-
sures we're all common property.
Indoors, Mary sped to her bedroom
it was hers and Joan's-and lifted
thescorner Of her mattress. She's
thought this a wonderful hiding
place; but the handkerchief was
gone! Accustomed as she was to
having her treasures taken, Mary's
lip quivered, tears blurred her sight.
This one handkerchief was precious.
She opened a bureau drawer and
rummaged in a mass Of things be-
longing to three or four OF the fam
lily. Wasn't there something she
could take, in tufn-tO get even
somehow? Nancy's beaded purse!
Nancy'd be angry, but that couldn't
be helped. Mary pocketed the purse,
shut the drawer with a push and
was going downstairs when Aunty
Jess called from her room.
Mary went gladly; Aunty Jess was
good friend and this mOtherless
home was much pleasanter when |
Aunty was there. OF course there |
was always Mrs. Bounce, the house
keeper.
tLook, Mary" Aunt Jess opened |
a bottom drawer. 1--WE found your
pretty handkerchief under your mat
tress, this morning. Wee Bobby told
us you'd hidden it to keep anyone
from using it. It's safe here, and
else you want to keep you
may put here, too"
"Oh. thank you," Mary fondIed the
prize happily.
She couldn't keep this delicious
secret; she put Nancy's purse back
and told Nancy about the hiding
place, and soon the whole family
trooped to Aunty's room with treas
ures. It looked as If poor Aunty
would be crowded out.
But one day Mary was surprised
10 see a new bureau with one draw
Pr for each child, in Aunt Jess
room. This soon became a sort of
sanctuary, quickly appreciated by
Ill, and no one ever thought of TAX
ng anything from another's draw {
n.
Children brought up to respect one
mothers property are pretty sure to
ROW into men and women who re-
pect the property of others; but )
hose who don't understand in child =
loOd the difference between mine i
nd thine run a risk. It's but step g
rom taking a sisters bicycle tire
ecause you need it. to taking your
rother's money-because you need
!. And, of course, there would he
o security in life for anyone if all ~
we'd in this way. With the under 4
tanding of ownership. however, y
hildren need to be taught also to
e generous and willing lenders. The :
Ieal attitude is the outgrawth of a
radual development which takes T
Iuch time and patience. but be- fl
)mes endIessly worth while.