* * * * *
If William Henry’s recipe for the prevention of spunkiness were
generally adopted, I fancy that many a boy would be seen practising the
circus performance here mentioned. It must have been “sure cure!” I well
remember the “plaguing” of my school days, and know from experience how
hard it is for a boy (or a man) always to keep his temper. The fellows
used to make fun of my name. In our quarrels, when there was nothing
else left to say, they would call out,--leaving off the Silas,--“Y Fry?
why not bake?” or “boil,” or “stew.” Of course to such remarks there was
no answer.
It is to be regretted that so few of Grandmother’s letters were
preserved. As Billy here makes known the state of his pocket-book, we
may infer that she had been inquiring into his accounts, and perhaps
cautioning him against spending too freely.
* * * * *