FOR THE YOUNG FOLKS. THE TIME TO BE PLEASANT.

Te Aroha News, Volume IV, Issue 204, 21 May 1887, Page 3 (Supplement)

FOR THE YOUNG FOLKS. THE TIME TO BE PLEASANT.

" Mother's cross," said Maggie, coming out into the kitchen with a pout on her lips. Her aunt was busy ironing, but she looked up and answered Maggie : " Then 1 it is the very time for you to be pleasant and helpful. Mother was awake a great deal in the night with the poor baby." Maggie made no reply, She put on her hat and walked off into the garden. But a new idea went with her. "The very time to be helpful and pleasant is when other people are crosh. Sure enough," thought she, "that would be the time when it would do the most good. I remember when I was ill last year I was so nervous that, if anyone spoke to me, I could hardly help being cross : and mother never got angry nor out of patience, but was just as gentle -with me. I ought to pay back now, and I will/ And she sprang up from the grats where she had thrown herself, and turned a face full of cheerful resolution towards the room where her mother sat soothing and tending a fretful teething baby. Maggie brought out the pretty ivory balls, and began to jingle them for the little one. He stoppod fretting, and a smile dimpled the corner of his lip-*. "Couldn't I take him out to ride in his perambulator, mother ? It's such a nice morning,' f>hc as?ked. "I should be glad if you would," said her mother. The little hat and jacket were brought, and the baby was soon ready for his ride. " I'll keep him as long as he is good," said Maggie ; and you must lie on the sofa and get a nap while lam gone. You are looking dreadfully tired." The kind words and the kiss that accompanied them were almost too much for the mother. The tears rose to her eyes, and her voice trembled, as she answered : "Thank you, my dearie : it will do me a world of good if you can keep him an hour ; and the air will do him good too. My head aches badly this morning." What a nappy heart beat in Maggie's bosom as she trundled the little carriage up and down the walk ! She had done real good. She had given back a little of the help and forbearance that had so often been bestowed upon her. Sho had made her mother happier, and given her time to rest. She resolved to remember and act upon her axmt's good words, " The very time to be helpful and pleasant is when everybody is tired and cross. "