An Experiment that Failed.
I am not sure whether I did right or not. I am sure that I meant right. It was in this wise: Believing implicitly that the bending of little human twigs should be accomplished during the early stages of their growth, I concluded to commence on Vieve. My intention was to give her a lesson in firmness. Accordingly, I filled a box with chestnuts, and placed it within her reach, saying, “Now, Vieve, dear, you must not touch them without my permission.” “Well, den, I dess I’ll not,” was the reply, while the brown-eyed three-year-old gazed wistfully toward the sweet temptation. I gave her six or eight. “In my dear little pocket, fank oo!” I went to my work, and labored with all the cheerfulness of an inventor who is pretty sure his machine will be a success. During the afternoon it occurred to my mind that those eight nuts were lasting a remarkable time. Assuming my blandest tone for the occasion, I asked: “Vieve, have you eaten all your chestnuts?” “Come here, darling. Where do you get so many?” “Oh! I dets ’em out o’ my pocket.” “Well, but here are more than I gave you at first,” I said, as I examined the dainty receptacle. “O Vieve! have you been disobeying me, and getting more out the box?” “I ’pects p’r’aps I have.” “O, dear Vieve,” I cried, with the feeling of one who discovers his invention to be a failure, “this makes poor mamma feel so sad. I do not like to punish you, but what must I do? I must have my little girl obey me. Oh! what shall I do?” The small sinner looked reflective. “Well, mamma,” she presently said, in solemn tones, “I dess oo had better pray.” Believing her suggestion a wise one, embodying about all the wisdom of the entire affair, I acted upon it. Returning to my occupation after our session had adjourned, the first thing that caught my attention was a scrap of old newspaper, containing this sentence: “He who through intention or neglect throws before another a temptation, is, if he be overcome, equally guilty.” I put away the box of chestnuts, and am awaiting further light.—National Baptist.