When Mother Is Away

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Aug 16, 1906

When Mother Is Away

THE house is such a dreary place when mother is away; There isn't fun in anything, no matter what you play. The dolls just sit as stupid, and act so still and queer— They always say such funny things when mother's by to hear.

The little china tea set looks so lonesome waiting there; There's no fun playing party and eating only air! It isn't like the lovely things you most believe you see Upon the plates and saucers, when mother comes to tea.

There's no use doing up your hair and dressing up in style, You know it's just pretending, and you're Betty all the while; You never hear a whisper from the chairs against the wall: “Dear me, what splendid lady now is coming here to call!”

The pictures in the picture-books are never half so fine; The stories won't come out and talk for any pains of mine; An hour goes so slowly, it's almost like a day— The house is such a lonesome place when mother is away.

— Good Housekeeping.