"So that things are done," says Theo, "it does not matter how they are
done."
The Postmistress differs with you, Theo. There are kind-hearted people
in this world who spoil the effect of their best actions by cross or
surly manners. The most beautiful gift will not please you if thrown in
your face. Gifts are valued for the love they signify, and so they need
loving looks and words to make them welcome. I have seen a family of
young people perfectly devoted to an auntie who never did anything for
them except tell them stories, show them her curiosities and treasures,
and listen to their perplexities; and they were not in the least fond of
another auntie, whose money was spent freely for them. She bought them
new dresses and bonnets, sent the boys on vacation trips, and often took
the girls to see pictures and hear fine music, yet they did not love
her.
The aunt who did so much that was kind had a habit of constantly
snubbing her nieces and nephews. If they made a mistake, she spoke of it
publicly. If a reproof was given, it was in the severest terms. Her face
wore a frown most of the time, and she made everybody around her
uncomfortable. And so, though her poor heart was hungry for affection,
she got only a crumb of it, while the happy, merry, fun-loving auntie
had a whole feast.
Many of you are taking piano lessons. If you are in company, and are
asked to play, consent without waiting to be coaxed. If you intend to
sing your new song, or perform your last piece, you will do so
gracefully by beginning at once without persuasion. If you must decline,
let it be because you feel that you do not play well enough to give
pleasure to the listeners. Do not, of all things, say, with a little
toss of the head and pout of the lips, "I can not play on any piano but
my own." That is very ungracious as well as ungraceful, and besides,
like most impoliteness, it hurts the feelings of others.
When you have a friend to entertain, let nothing that you do for him or
her appear to give you trouble. Keep your difficulties out of sight, and
let only the pleasant things come to the front. Watch mamma when she has
guests, and you will observe that she never makes a fuss, nor seems to
be in a flutter, and still she takes care of them, consults their
wishes, and forgets nothing which can add to their happiness while under
her roof.
You will learn how to do it, whatever _it_ may stand for, by imitating
your mother. Don't you think so?
* * * * *
We would call the attention of the C. Y. P. R. U. to the article on
"Egyptian History," and to "A River Gets Into Trouble," by Charles
Barnard. The boys will be specially interested in an article on "Homing
Pigeons," by Mr. C. W. Fisher.
* * * * *