So many changes had been brought about since the society started that a large number had leased land for a long term of years, building their own houses or cottages near the colony after they saw the advantages of the society. They did not like to live in the apartment houses or hotels, nor did they care to have their children in the boarding schools, but did like the system of revenue that came so regularly from the factories, stock farms, cotton plantations, etc., and the short hours that all the members had to give to the society’s industries. These people lived where they liked. Their shares were placed in the different industries. As they already owned their homes it secured them a regular income. It also provided for the future of each member of their family, instead of an insurance; all saw its advantages and appreciated the fact that they could become honored members of the society. It gave them rank that nothing else could, because the members wouldn’t allow dishonest people to be called Honorables. All sorts of discussions took place for and against the idea of having children under a system of government. It generally came from the older people or from those with large incomes. It had caused a prejudice to arise among many and naturally they talked it over. One lady, a Mrs. Holmes, had pronounced it a breaking up of homes, and her father had written several articles about it in the papers. He was coming on a visit. When he arrived he looked into the subject.
“Yes, indeed, you may count upon me in opposing all such ideas as that. Our little children should be right in the home with us.”
So they arranged to have a party come to discuss the matter, for and against it. He had only been with them a few days when it was arranged to have the meeting. The hour was to be at three o’clock in the afternoon. Now it was just two when Mrs. Holmes came into the library where her father was sitting and said:
“Papa, would you like to have the care of the little ones for half an hour or so? I will have to go to the dressmaker.”
“Certainly,” he answered, “I would be delighted to have them all to myself.”
She replied, “I let the nurse go out this afternoon, not knowing that I would have to try on my dress, and tomorrow will be my reception day. The baby is asleep and these two little ones will keep you company. Cook will attend the door if any one comes, so I will go now and be back in time for the meeting.” As she waved her hands, saying, “Bye-bye, precious ones, be good children and amuse grandpa,” she closed the door and was gone.
Grandpa held a child on each knee. This was an event in their lives, to have grandpa all to themselves.
“Well,” he says, “what shall we do while mamma is away?”
“Oh,” says five-year-old May, “let’s play horse and let me ride on your back.”
“No, me,” cried Roy, while May climbed the quickest and got there. Roy pulled her feet and they quarreled until grandpa decided that he would get down on all fours, then both could get on, while May held on to her doll. Away they went, in and out of the two rooms, the children laughing and screaming as they lurched from side to side in danger of falling, while grandpa enjoyed the fun almost as much as they, even though he was puffing and blowing. When that failed to amuse they played hide and seek. Grandpa soon discovered that he is not so young as he used to be and laid back in the big arm chair to rest.