CHAPTER II

BETWEEN PARENTS AND CHILDREN

=116. To a Son Entering Business.=

L----, April 27, 19--.

My Dear George:--

The fact that your school days are ended and that you are about to enter on the real business of life, is a matter of deep interest to me, as well as of great importance to yourself. I am not disposed to preach a sermon to you, but a few words of good advice will not come amiss just now. All I want to say to-day I can compress into three very brief sentences. Be truthful. Be honest. Be manly. The man who is truthful in spirit as well as in letter, who is so thoroughly honest that he will neither steal nor take an unfair advantage, who is upright and manly in all his dealings, is the man who, in the long run, wins competence and honor. Let the Golden Rule be a guide for you through life. A sentiment from Shakespeare may fitly close this brief letter:

"To thine own self be true; And it must follow as the night the day, Thou can'st not then be false to any man."

God bless and prosper you in all your ways.

Your affectionate, FATHER.

=117. From a Son to his Father Offering to Leave College.=

H---- College, H----, February 2, 19--.

Dear Father:--

You had told me enough of your affairs during my visit at home to prepare me somewhat for the news contained in your last letter. I hope even yet that means may be found by which you can meet your obligations. I shall be proud if I can be of any service to you at this critical time, but whether I can or not, I shall not be satisfied unless I make the effort. I want your approval in what I propose. You have, with much sacrifice I know, given me a year and a half of college life. I can never tell how much it has meant to me. Whatever I may be able to do for you now will not repay the debt of gratitude I owe you. The semi-annual examinations are just over, so that now is a very convenient time to break off here. I want to go straight to work. With energy and perseverance I can find something to do. Please write me at once that you consent, and give me any advice that occurs to you. I would suggest that I go to Uncle Henry's in C----, and keep his books evenings for my board, as he proposed last fall. I know of nothing new in his circumstances that would have caused him to change his mind about wanting me. I have written to him, and I look for a reply to-morrow morning. If he is willing to take me, and you think well of the plan, there will be nothing to prevent my going at once. In a city like C----, there must be plenty of employment for a willing, active young man, of fair ability and education, and good principles. What I may be able to earn will perhaps help you a little in your present difficulty; please, dear father, accept this offer from

Your loving grateful son, ALFRED.

=118. Answer to the Above.=

My Dear Boy:--

The generous spirit of your letter brought the tears to my eyes. I know well how much it will cost you to give up, or even postpone your college course. It will be hard to break off class associations, and leave the work that you find so congenial. I wish I could thank you for your noble offer, and tell you that we could worry through without your help, but I find, that my affairs are in a worse condition than intimated in my last letter. Have not given up hope yet, still cannot conscientiously refuse any means of relief that comes to me. Go, my dear son, to your Uncle Henry's, and God bless you. Am well-nigh crushed by this trouble, but the thought of your manly attitude brings me comfort and support. With God's help we shall pull through.

Your affectionate FATHER.

=119. To a Mother from Her Daughter after First Day in College.=

R---- College, R----, September 20, 19--.

Dear Mother:--

You have probably received by this time the postal card that I wrote you while we were in the midst of unpacking. We have at last emerged from chaos. I wish you could see our room--it is so cosy and inviting.

I have so many things to tell you that I hardly know where to begin. "At the beginning," you will say. Very well. There was a gay crowd of laughing, excited girls at the station when I arrived. Such kissing and little shrieks and hugs! I felt quite left out in the cold. We all piled into the college bus together. It was a drive of two miles to the college buildings, and the scenery along the way was perfectly lovely. After we had arrived I was standing quite forsaken in the great main hall watching people who seemed entirely at home pass back and forth or gather in little knots, when a girl came up to me and said: "You are a new girl, are you not? If you will tell me your name I will show you to your room." Have since found out that the sophomores have charge of looking after the freshmen, and this girl was a sophomore. When she learned my name she went to the office to consult the directory, and came back and took me to room 89, on the third floor. There was a large bunch of daisies in a vase on the table. When I admired it, she said, "That's the way we sophomores have of hazing the freshmen." We had a long conversation, and she told me a great many things about the college and what to expect, and finally she concluded, "Now, don't forget, Miss Clarke, that I found you, and you sort of belong to me. If, at any time, you desire any wise advice, or if you get into any scrape and want to get out cleverly, why, call upon me. My name is Alma Robertson, address No. 56, east corridor, 2d floor. You know you can't do much till you've seen Prexy, so you'd better get your number as soon as you can."

I discovered before long what she meant. There were about ten girls waiting in the outer office of the President. Some one handed me a square of paper marked 53. "No. 17 is closeted now," a girl told me, "and I am No. 18." So I went back to my room to wait--no longer _my_ room, however, but _our_ room, for there I found my room mate. She is perfectly lovely. Her name is Elizabeth Gyllane. She is a sophomore, and the friend from her own class whom she expected to room with her had not returned to college. I know Elizabeth was very much disappointed, but she made me feel at once that she was pleased with the arrangement made for her, and she was as sweet as could be to me. She is one of the most tactful and unselfish persons I ever met. She is from Virginia, and speaks with a southern accent. She has no mother. Do you think that is why she likes so much to hear about my own? She says she has a very clear impression of you already, and almost loves you. I never got acquainted with any one so quickly before. She understands exactly what you mean and how you feel, and you don't have to explain things.

Every girl has to take an hour's exercise a day. You can walk or you are allowed to row in the wide flat-bottomed boats, if you can prove to the authorities that one is not strong enough to capsize them.

We have not had regular recitations yet, but our lessons are all assigned for to-morrow. I had no idea I should dread it as I do. All the girls I have met have such a superior, learned air--not at all like the high-school girls. I have a perfect horror of being considered stupid.

Elizabeth and I are going for a row at 3 o'clock this afternoon. She has a great many friends who are always coming to see her and making plans that include her, but she told me this morning that she wanted me to go out with her this afternoon--"just we two alone," she said, "for a nice long time together."

I don't know what I should do without her. Last evening I felt so lonely and homesick. I was thinking of you and papa and the baby, and how long it would be before I should see my beloved ones again. Elizabeth found me in our bedroom on the bed, and she was just splendid. She didn't try to jolly me up, but instead she was very serious, and talked with me about my home. She put her arm about me and said, "Alice, your kind of homesickness is a blessed thing. One may be homesick because one has no home to be homesick for." I wondered if she meant herself, but I didn't say anything, for fear of making her feel badly. But I thought how very selfish I was to be accepting her sympathy when perhaps she needed sympathy more than I did.

Please give my dearest love to papa, and ask baby not to forget "Lala."

I am sure I am going to be very happy here, dear mother, although the homesick feeling takes possession of me every once in a while. It seems already as if I had not seen you for half a year.

You must have been very tired after I left home, you had worked so hard helping me get ready. I find I have everything I need, and my clothes look beautifully. I can never thank you enough for all you have done for me, and are doing for me. I know you will say that the best thanks I can offer is to make the most of my opportunities, and I shall try not to disappoint you.

Your affectionate daughter, MABEL.

=120. Answer to the Above.=

B----, September 23, 19--.

Dear Mabel:--

Your long, interesting letter was duly received. We are very glad to have a clear idea of your new life, and to know that everything opens up so pleasantly. Elizabeth seems to be a very lovely girl, of fine sensibility and womanly character, and I hope sometime we may all know her. She is evidently trying to make your first few days of college life happy ones, and in order to reciprocate her unselfish thought for you, you must have your eyes open to see her needs and wishes. I have regretted that you had no sister of your own age to share your room with you at home, for experience teaches one many lessons in the art of being an ideal room-mate--for it is an art. Perfect breeding, delicacy of perception that will keep one from ever being intrusive, adaptability in little things, orderly habits, responsiveness, sympathy, unselfishness, loyalty, are the qualities to be cultivated by one who desires to be at all times an entirely agreeable room-mate, and these you have, my child, all in more or less degree, I believe: but you are apt to be thoughtless, and you will need to exercise care and self-control. I believe that the friendships you form at college with your classmates and teachers are as important as the studies you are pursuing. This does not imply that you should ever neglect your lessons for social enjoyment. I am sure you have too much good sense to draw such a conclusion.

Your father and I are very anxious that you should derive much culture and good mental training from your college course. As far as you can command your own motives, study for the knowledge and the discipline to be derived, rather than for marks or class standing. The higher one's aim, the more permanent will be the result.

It is hard to become used to your being away, my precious child. The house is lonely without you. But it is for your good, and I am so thankful that we can give you this opportunity that I do not grumble. It is a comfort to us to be able to remember that you have always been a good daughter. We love to recall your pleasant ways, and the many proofs of your earnest purpose to do right.

Write to us freely, and tell us of your successes and your difficulties, for we shall want to know all that concerns you.

Gertrude has been to the house to inquire what we have heard from you. She will be delighted to have you write to her. You must not forget your old friends in making new ones. Aunt Mary, also, will appreciate a nice letter from you.

The baby wanted to write "Bebel," so I gave her paper and pencil, and she insists upon my enclosing her scrawl. Good-bye, my darling. God bless you. Father says: "Tell Mabel I love her."

Your affectionate MOTHER.

=121. From a Son to His Father, Excusing His Extravagance.=

H----, December 20, 19--.

Dear Father:--

I can never thank you enough for your kind, indulgent letter. I am deeply sorry to have occasioned you so much anxiety, and am most grateful to you for your timely aid. Believe me, in the future I will endeavor to give you no further cause for complaint, and I only regret that I should have allowed myself to be led into such thoughtless extravagance. You may depend upon my following your advice, and proving myself worthy of your generous kindness.

I am, dear father, Your affectionate son, HARRY.

=122. From a Mother to Her Daughter on Her Birthday.=

E----, April 25, 19--.

My Darling Edith:--

I have planned that this letter should reach you on the morning of the 27th, which is your sixteenth birthday. Your father, brothers and sisters desire me to speak for them, and to say how sincerely we send you a thousand good wishes on this happy day. If only you could have been at home with us, that we might have had one of those old-time festivals! But, dear daughter, the path of duty demands many sacrifices of us all. You are where it is best for you to be, fitting yourself for the serious but delightful duties that must sooner or later demand your attention.

A little box, which I hope has reached you safely, contains some trifling tokens of affection from each one of us, which I know you will appreciate to the full. The box also contains the materials for a pleasant little entertainment, which, I have no doubt, Mrs. Dash will allow you to give to your school-fellows, as I have written to beg a half holiday for the occasion.

God bless you, my dear Edith, and may every succeeding year find you increasing in all that is wise, in understanding and in beauty of character, is the earnest prayer of

Your affectionate MOTHER.

=123. From a Son to His Father, Expressing Dislike of His Present Occupation.=

C----, April 15, 19--.

Dear Father:--

I feel that you will be disappointed at what I am about to say, but, after due consideration, hope you will not think I am altogether wrong in frankly stating my dislike for office work. I have now been here nearly six months, and find this employment as little to my taste as when I first began. Have tried my best to form a liking for the work, but am quite sure I shall never get on in this kind of occupation.

Should be very glad to talk the matter over with you; it is not that I am afraid of work; am sure, however, that I shall never make a success in a business which has no attraction for me.

I have given it a fair trial, and have put off writing to you on the subject as long as possible; but as there is no chance of my changing my mind, further delay would be useless. I shall hope to hear from you in a day or two, dear father, and with love to all,

Believe me, Your affectionate son, HARRY.

=124. From a Little Boy at Home to His Papa.=

C----, April 13, 19--.

My Dear Papa:--

I hope to see you soon, you have been away a very long time; when are you coming back again? I have tried to be a good boy, and Miss Meriam says I have been most attentive at my lessons. Dear mamma will send this little letter with hers. I love you with all my heart.

Your affectionate little son, FREDDY.

=125. From a Little Boy to His Grandfather.=

C----, August 5, 19--.

Dear Grandpa:--

I hope you are enjoying good health, as usual. I wish you many happy returns of your birthday, and I send you a little paper knife which I bought with my own money, and I hope you will like it and use it; it cuts beautifully. Carrie is going to send you a present also, but I must not tell you what it is to be; she made it herself.

I am, dear grandpa, with much love,

Your affectionate grandson, FRED SELDEN.

=126. From a Little Boy to His Uncle.=

C----, May 4, 19--.

Dear Uncle George:--

I can never thank you enough for the beautiful watch you sent me on my birthday. Mamma says I may wear it, but I must not wind it up until I am older, and she is going to do it every day herself for me. I have learnt to tell the time by it; it is now a quarter past three, and we are going out for a walk in the park; so good-bye, dear Uncle George.

We all send you our best love.

Your affectionate nephew, FRED SELDEN.

=127. From a Little Boy at School to His Sister.=

R----, May 31, 19--.

Dear Daisy:--

School closes on Thursday week. I hope my rabbits are well, and my pony also. How is the garden looking? I will help you all I can in it when I come home. We are going to have a baseball match with the high-school boys, this afternoon; so good-bye. Give my love to all. I hope mamma got my letter.

Your affectionate brother, EDDIE.

=128. From a Little Girl at School to Her Mamma.=

W----, October 19, 19--.

Dear Mamma:--

Am so sorry that Miss Peabody has had to complain of me, but I do try to learn my very difficult lessons, and when I cannot do so I cry until my head aches. Dear mamma, I wish you would allow me to put German aside until next term, and then perhaps I should get on better with my French lessons.

Please give my love to dear papa, and tell him I would not make him unhappy if I could help it, but I have so much to learn every day, and all the girls in my class are older than I am, and have been much longer at school.

With lots of kisses for you, papa and puss,

Your very affectionate daughter, MAGGIE.

=129. From a Little Girl at Home to Her Absent Mother.=

F----, June 11, 19--.

Darling Mother:--

We all miss you very, very much indeed, and hope to hear in your next letter that grandma is almost well, and that you will be able to come home in a day or two. Papa is writing to you by this post. I am going out for a ride with him presently. Nurse says the children are very good and happy. Lulu cried a little last night because she could not say good-night to you, but she soon went to sleep while nurse told her a pretty story about a good little girl who did everything her papa and mamma wished. Good-bye, dear darling mother.

Your loving daughter, KITTIE.

=130. From a Little Girl on a Visit, to Her Mamma at Home.=

O----, August 15, 19--.

Dearest Mamma:--

Cousin Flora is writing to you, but I thought you would also like a little letter from me. I am enjoying myself very much, every one is so kind, but I must tell you all I have seen when I come home. I am longing to see you, dear mamma, and with best love to you and dear papa, I remain,

Your affectionate daughter, SARAH.

=131. From a Little Girl to Her Grandmamma.=

P----, November 10, 19--.

My Dear Grandma:--

It was so delightfully kind of you to send me such a beautiful doll! Mamma has given me a cradle to put it in at night, and I mean to take it out walking with me every day. Dear mamma says the next time she comes to see you she will bring me with her; I hope it will be soon; don't you?

With best love, dear grandma, believe me, as ever,

Your affectionate granddaughter, HATTIE.

=132. From a Little Girl to Her Brother at School.=

B----, October 10, 19--.

Dear Charlie:--

You can't imagine how much I miss you. I have no one to play with me now. How do you like being at school? are the lessons very difficult? are there any nice boys like you? Do tell me all about it; what you have for dinner, what hour you go to bed, and what games you play at, and how long you are allowed to play.

Papa and mamma send their best love.

Your affectionate sister, LULU.

_Vertical Handwriting_

_A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z_

_a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z &_

_Whatever I have tried to do in this life, I have tried to do well, whatever I have devoted myself to, I have devoted_