"WHAT A SHAME."

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15504, 10 January 1914, Page 6 (Supplement)

"WHAT A SHAME."

FAMILIAR FORMS OF SELFISHNESS. Under the title of "What a Shame" an English writer says: I once stayed in a house where none of the daughters dared to take their letters till their father had sorted out the pile— which was always put beside his plate at the breakfast table—and handed each her share of correspondence. This was often very inconvenient, as two of the girls had to rush off for early trains, and the father did not come down till they were just leaving. So they had to take their letters with them, instead of enjoying them at leisure over toast and coffee. Yet they never thought of protesting. It was *' father'* way," and none of them seemed to realise the fact that it was a very inconsiderate way indeed. I know a woman who has nothing to do all day long except attend to her small house. Yet, just because she lives ton minutes' walk from the shops, and her husband happens to pass them on his way to the station, she makes him do every bit of the family shopping. Too Much Tremble I " He has to go that wav in any case," she says, "so bo might just as well do it," And she never considers that it is hard on a busy man to be required to carry home an armful of parcels at night, or give half-a-dozen orders when he is rushing for the train in tho morning. She could do her own shopping, and get home again in half-an-hour at most, but no— won't hear of taking so much trouble. I know a young man—little more than a boy--who is really clever, and is studying hard for examinations. But I don't think he will pass them, for his twin sister is so dreadfully inconsiderate to him. She is a very bright, pretty girl, liked by everyone, and adored by her brother, who will do simply anything she tells him. Pure Thoughtlessness. She loves going out in the evenings and hiving & good time, and she always enjoys herself best when' Jack takes her. , So four evenings out of six Jack must,-put his books aside and go with his twin to theatres, picture palaces, or dances. He doesn't dislike It—in fact, being young and human, he lilies it very much, for Dora is a delightful person to take about, and , always so affectionate, and sweet, and cheery. But I do think it's a dreadful shame of her to coax him away from his work as often as she does. If she had any. real affection for him I'm certain she would sacrifice herself enough to stay at home or find some other companion for her jaunts. A Selfish Love. Then there are two old people— and mother, with an only daughter, whom they love dearly. They have'enough to live on, so there is no need for the girl to work. Their idea of happiness is to stay at homo with their dear daughter to keep them company, and have what they call "cosy, quiet times." Cosy, quiet times may be all very well for Mr. and Mrs. Wilson, neither of whom will see sixty again. But Gertrude is barely thirty, and has still a good deal of youthful energy and restlessness in her; so I'm not sure that cosiness and quiet appeal to tier in the same way. If she goes out to tea she is greeted on her return by reproachful faces and, We have missed you so badly, darling. We thought you were never ©lining back again."

"If she asks a friend to this house, she hears that, "We are sorry our company does not satisfy yon. Surely we three should bo all in all to each other."

If she goes away for a week they write to her every day, and, as often as not, wire for her to come home before tho ond of her holiday because they simply can't exist without her any longer. It's very nice to be loved and wanted, but I think it would be better for Gertrude if her parents loved her in a different kind of way. She is a gentle girl, who has not spirit to stand op for herself, and the consequence is that she has never had a life of her own, or interests of her own, or any of tho change and freedom that young people need so much. I think it's a shame! Don't you?