Democratic Sentinel, Volume 22, Number 39, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 8 October 1898 — Training the Children. [ARTICLE]

Training the Children.

“John,” said Mrs. Wisely to her liege lord the other evening, “I want to have a very frank talk with you. Do you realize that the boys are old enough now to observe and are beginning to form their characters?” ‘‘Of course I do. Great boys.” “Yes, and we want them to be great men. They naturally look up to you, John, more than to anybody else. For their sakes you must be careful In what you do and say. You fell over a chair the other day and used some very improper language. I heard Willie repeat it when lie stubbed his toe in the back yard.” “The little rascal! He didn’t?” chuckled the father. “Yes, John, and they pretend to smoke cigars and pour drinks from an imaginary decanter. Can’t you set them a better example?” “Say, little one, I heard Amy playing keep house one afternoon lately. When callers were announced she sent out word that she was not at home. When she did consent to receive anyone she combed them down to beat the band before tliey were admitted. One was an old frump, another was an intolerable bore, and a third better a good deal be at home cleaning house or looking after her children. You couldn’t have done it better yourself.” “I see what you mean, sir. No use of rubbing It in. But wait, dear,” in a softer voice, “let’s both do better. It’s for their sakes, you know.” “I’ll go you,” and they shook hands. As John left that evening he slipped up on the front steps and made the air blue. Around the corner he lit his cigar. Mrs. Wisely had some animated gossip with a neighbor. And yet the children seem to thrive.—Detroit Free Press.