Change the Subject.—"Always," said papa, as he drank his coffee and enjoyed his morning beefsteak—"always, children, change the subject when anything unpleasant has been said. It is both wise and polite."
That evening, on his return from business, he found his carnation-bed despoiled, and the tiny imprint of slippered feet silently bearing witness to the small thief.
"Mabel," he said to her, "did you pick my flowers?"
"Papa," said Mabel, "did you see a monkey in town?"
"Never mind that. Did you pick my flowers?"
"Papa, what did grandma send me?"
"Mabel, what do you mean? Did you pick my flowers? Answer me yes or no."
"Yes, papa, I did; but I fout I'd change the subject."