Chapter VIII.

_MANNERS IN PUBLIC._

FIRST TWO YEARS.

ILLUSTRATIVE LESSONS.

LESSON 22.

=Purpose.=--To show the necessity of good manners in the street.

=Method.=--An incident related. Pupils allowed to comment.

_The Lesson._

The other day, as I was walking on the sidewalk, two or three boys came running down the hill, and nearly pushed me over. They never stopped to ask me to excuse them, but ran on, calling to everyone, “Out of the way!” Some little girls on the other side of the street were laughing very loudly and causing every one to look at them.

What do you say of these boys and girls?

“They were rude.”

“The boys were unkind.”

Ought not boys to run?

“Not against people.”

Ought not little girls to laugh?

“Not loudly in the street.”

Why not?

“Because it is not the custom of well-bred girls.”

How should people act on the street?

“They should give people their share of the walk.”

“They should not cause people to look at them.”

Yes, they should be little ladies and gentlemen on the street. 182.

LESSON 23.

=Purpose.=--To teach that undue curiosity shown on the street is impolite.

=Method.=--A story, followed by a conversation.

_The Lesson._

Once there was a little boy who was deformed.

Who will tell me what that means?

“It means that he was a hunch-back.”

“Or that he had a queer foot.”

Yes, this poor boy had not feet like yours, and could walk very little without crutches. One day he was taking a walk with his nurse, and was trying to take a few steps without his crutches. Of course it was very hard work for him, and he went very slowly. Some boys were skipping down the hill towards him, and he looked as if he would give all he had in the world if he could skip too. But what do you suppose these boys did as they came near? They stopped still, and stared at the poor little fellow. It made him feel bad, for his cheeks grew red and tears filled his eyes as he hobbled away from them.

What would you have done, John, if you had been one of those boys?

“I would have walked right by without looking.”

“I would have looked at his face, but not at his feet.”

“I would have acted as if he were like other boys.”

Yes, that is the way to do. Think how you would like to be treated if you were in this boy’s place.

Is it the custom of well-bred people to stare at one on the street?

“No, Miss B.”

We will try to remember then----

“Never to stare at people on the street.”