CONSIDERATE FATHER.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XVII, Issue XXII, 28 November 1896, Page 127

CONSIDERATE FATHER.

Doctor Story, the father of the great Chief Justice, was a man of sterling commonsense and genuine kindliness. One illustration of his method of family government indicates that he must have been greatly beloved for his sympathy with boyish fun. One evening after the family had gone to bed the elder boys rose, dressed themselves and crept softly down into the kitchen. They built a roaring fire in the great fireplace, skirmished about the pantry, and having secured a plentiful supply of provisions, prepared to ' make a night of it.’ Suddenly, to their dismay, a knock was heard at the door. They put out the light, hastily hid the food, and concealed themselves about the room as best they could. The father’s step was heard on the stair, and in a moment he entered, bearing a lamp. The smell of food attracted his attention, and glancing round, he saw the leg of a boy protruding from under a table Without a word he marched straight to the door and admitted his visitor, who bad come to consult him professionally. The two sat down before the nre and began talking together, but after a time a scrambling noise was heard under the table, and this the visitor commented on. ‘ Ah,' said the doctor, ‘ didn't you know we keep a •log ?’ When the visitor took his leave the doctor retired and left the boys to their fun. He advised his wife to discourage such raids in the future, though he had not the heart to put an end to such hearty enjoyment when it was actually in progression.