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Her Company Voice

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D.C. · Jan 19, 1905

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 82, No. 3.

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Her Company Voice

By Susan Teall Perry

“WHO is that in the parlor, Nellie?” asked the little sister.
“Nobody but mama and Fred,” replied Nellie.
“O, yes, there must be some one else,” rejoined the little girl, “for mama has her company voice on.”
It was a little squib under the heading of “Fun,” which a member of the family read aloud from the paper. The circle about the table who heard it smiled, and one said, “That’s a good joke.” But a more thoughtful member turned it over and over in her mind. She was the mother, and she admitted to herself that it was more than a joke—that in many instances it was sober truth. It came home to her heart with great significance; for she acknowledged to herself that “company voice” was entirely too often put on when in the presence of those outside the home circle. We wish to appear at our best before those whose good opinions we desire to gain. But with those who love us, how often we speak in irritable, harsh, quick tones.—Susan Teall Perry, in the Evangelist.