THE THREE SIEVES

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXV, Issue 36, 5 September 1907, Page 38

THE THREE SIEVES

1 OH, mamma I ' cried little Blanche Philpott, 'I ■ heard such a tale about Edith Howard ! I did not - think she could be so very naughty. One—'

'My dear,' interrupted Mrs. Philpott, ' before you" continue, we will see if your story will pass the three sieves.' 4 ' What does that mean, mamma ? ' inquired Blanche. 1 I will explain it. In the first place, Is it true ? ' 1 I suppose so ; I got it from Miss White, and she is a- great friend of Edith.' ' And does she show her friendship by telling tales of Iher 7 In the next place, though you can prove it to be true, Is it kind ? ' ' I did not mean to be unkind, mamma, but I am afraid it was. I should not like Edith to speak of me as I have spoken of her.' • ' And— ls it necessary ?' ' 'No, of course, nramma ; there was no need for me t tion it" at all.' v '

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' Then put a bridle on your tongue, dear Blanche, and don't speak of it. If we cannot speak well of our friends, let us not speak of them at all.'