Apart from and more important even than her manner to a guest who happens in for an hour or a day, is the manner of a daughter to her father and mother. The father returns to his home after a wearying day at business. He is tired in body and mind. Coming back, as his latch-key turns in the home door he throws off care; he is joyous at the thought of the dear ones he will meet after hours of absence. His young daughter, in a pretty gown, with the bloom and freshness only girlhood wears, should be ready to give him the attentions he loves—the kiss, the cheery word—to help her mother and the rest in letting her father see how much he is loved at home. Men give up a great deal for their families—their time, their strength, the knowledge they have gained in life's experiences—they spend everything freely for their home's sake, and the home should pay its debt in much outspoken love.
All through life, girls, never economize demonstration to those who are your very own. Let them know how much you love them. Tell them so. For strangers and mere acquaintances we should have reserve and carry ourselves with dignity, but our own home people have a right to our unstinted love. Praise the little brother or sister who does well. If you are teaching a little pupil, and she is trying hard to show that she cares for the lesson, let her know that you are fully satisfied. Praise goes further than blame in making people good. Indeed, happy people are generally good.
Millicent D—— wants me to tell her in a sentence what I would like the girls to observe for the next year. Now, the new year isn't here yet, and it is not yet time for the passing of the old. I think while the weeks of November and December go flying down-stream, rushing so fast that we can hardly keep pace with them, I will ask you to "practice small courtesies." Do all the kind things you can, the "little acts of kindness." Begin to-day. If we all remembered to be kind all the time, what a world of happiness we should have!
I am delighted, Grace and Mattie, to hear about your dancing-class. All girls who can should go to dancing-school. In no other way can you acquire so much grace of movement, nor is there any pretty accomplishment which yields more innocent pleasure. Pray learn to make a beautiful courtesy. It is the distinction of a young lady to do this with grace.
THE SECOND SUMMER,
many mothers believe, is the must precarious in a child's life; generally it may be true, but you will find that mothers and physicians familiar with the value of the Gail Burden Eagle Brand Condensed Milk do not so regard it.—[Adv.]