A Precocious Child.

Hastings Standard, Issue 120, 14 September 1896, Page 4

A Precocious Child.

In Newcastle there is a lady who has resolved that her children shall not in future be allowed to come to the table at meal times when visitors are present. Heretofore she has entertained a theory that, as soon as children were okl enough to feed themselves the table was the place for them to take their meals, in company with the family. By this method they could be properly disciplined, and grow up under the influence of good manners. Her theory was apparently accomplishing the desired result when relatives arrived for a visit. One of them was the proverbial rich old aunt, for whom the oldest child—a girl of six years —had been named. This was the first visit she had made since the christening, five years before. On this occasion she bad acted as godmother, and had deposited quite a sum of money in the child's name. On every birthday since she had added to it. So it was greatly desired that the cfrild should be particularly Mai-

able to this rich old lady, and make an impression that would be remembered. And she did. During the visit the aunt had told the child numerous Bible stories. They were not 'especially interesting, and the child was getting tired of them. One night at dinner, she showed unmista'keable signs of becoming openly rebellious. The mother, doubting the wisdom of her theory, was in the act of ringing the bell for the nurse to taka. her away from the table, when the aunt undertook to restore peace and quiet by interesting her in a Bible story. She was only fairly started when the child flew into a rage, and, picking up a large spoon, exclaimed—- " Stop! Don't you tell me any more of your Bible stories —I won't listen. Stop, I say! If you don't I'll throw this spoon at you. I am a good girl. I say my prayers on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and I won't be told any more Bible stories."