Hk-KsRS !'!■: Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2011 with funding from The Library of Congress http://www.archive.org/details/preciousthoughtsOOIong ROSE LONG. PRECIOUS THOUGHTS By ROSE LONG PUBLISHED BY PUBLISHING 8-3-5 BROADWAY, BROADWAY COMPANY NEW YORK 1°* Copyrighted, in 1904. ROSE LONG ^4/i Rights Reserved. Gift ge and Mrs. tsaac R.Hitt JU>y 3r 1933 ± DEDICATED TO MY MOTHER, TO A VERY DEAR FRIEND AND TO ALL LOVERS OF HIGH IDEALS PRECIOUS THOUGHTS NICOLAS HAPPYSOME. I. THE CHILDREN. At Sunny Dale, a secluded little hamlet, sur- rounded by green hills and waving pines and firs, in Oregon, sweet Oregon, lives the Happysome family, which consists of a father and mother, with three children. Shall I tell you the names of the children? Yes. Blossom, the eldest, is a queenly-bearing girl of sixteen summers, with bright, dark-blue eyes and golden, waving hair. Beautiful and sweet is her disposition, no matter whether for- tune casts a smile or a shadow upon her life. So radiant and inspiring is her life that the village people call her "Sunshine of Sunny Dale." Her 2 Precious Thoughts. mind is stored with much useful learning, which she drank in not only while at the best high school in the State, but also at home, having had free access to a little home library. Bright does her future career appear. I shall now introduce you to Nicolas, the older boy. In appearance Nicolas forms a great con- trast to Blossom. He is an awkward, overgrown boy of fourteen years, whom one might take to be much older. Straight is his black hair ; large and non-expressive are his dark eyes ; brown are his cheeks, and like in form the beak of the eagle is his nose. So mischievous is this boy, so un- pleasing is his face and the carriage of his body, that his parents fear for his future. Save for his jolly disposition and generous nature, he might be a victim to the taunts and tricks of the village boys. Nicolas' brother Ray, the baby, is quite a prom- ising boy. Here and there is he to be seen so very busy in his little way with his toys and talk- ing in a language peculiar to himself, a language now soft and low, now harsh and shrill. Precious Thoughts. 3 II. NICOLAS' SPORT WITH THE BEARS. First a rattle and a bang of the door, and then, with eyes as large as a saucer, with mouth ex- panded to its very limit, with a face lit up with smiles, with trousers tattered and torn, and with a leap and a bound, and crying out, "I have killed her ! I have killed her, mother !" appeared Mas- ter Nicolas in the presence of his mother, a sweet, lovable woman, with silvered auburn hair, and on whom fortune had once smiled very kindly and left its happy impress. "Killed what, my son? Killed what?" asked Mrs. Happysome in one breath. Down deep into the great, large pocket of his hunting coat Nicolas thrust his hand, and drew out two tiny, hairy babies — bear cubs. "What ! Did you have heart to kill the mother ? What are you going to do with the little or- phans?" asked his mother, anxiously. "What am I going to do with them? To be sure, the matter was settled in my mind two or 4 Precious Thoughts. three weeks ago, when I first saw the bear in the woods and heard her cubs. My intention is to send them off to San Francisco or some other large city, when they are quite big, and get a handsome price for them. My, won't you be proud of your son when he has his big purse full of silver pieces !" replied Nicolas. "Very well, my son. May you nurture them well and be successful financially," responded Mrs. Happysome. "Blossom! Blossom! Where are you? Do come quick !" cried Nicolas, in accents loud and shrill — so shrill that they permeated the whole house, from room to room. On hearing her name called in such exciting tones, Blossom in- stantly sprang to her feet, dropping her embroid- ery work upon the floor. Quick as a flash yes- terday's experience with her mischievous brother came to her mind. "I won't go. It is another one of his tricks to make sport at my expense," she muttered in a low tone. Since curiosity, which slumbers in every bosom, must be made content when once aroused, Precious Thoughts. 5 Blossom hastily fled to the spot from which came the call. Right before her stood Nicolas, heroic Nicolas Happysome, with his hat drawn down over his face and his hands behind his back. With one leap, he sprang behind his victim and placed the cubs upon her shoulders before she had time to speak. "Oh, what are they? What are they? They are too large for mice — horrid, nasty mice ! Take them off ! Do take them off, for mercy's sake, or I shall become distracted with fear ! I will give you a big slice of that lemon-cake if you do. Be quick !" exclaimed the bewildered girl. Meanwhile our hero was reeling from side tq side, nearly dying with laughter as he beheld Blossom crying and trying to shake them off. Finding her brother to be entirely without mercy, a leap or two brought her to her smiling, amused mother, who gently took the babies from off her shoulders and placed them upon the floor Then all three joined in a jolly good laugh — such a laugh as would have made the darkest pessi- mist for a few moments feel the pleasure of a lit- tle personal sunshine. 6 Precious Thoughts. "Come with me to the little bears' future home," said Nicolas. At his bidding mother and sister followed him till they arrived at the babies' new home. "Remember, my son," said Mrs. Happysome. "this matter means increased labor on your part. You will have to see that more hay and grain are raised for Cherry, so that she can give more milk. Then, too, you will have to carry your gun upon your shoulders more often than you do now — heaven knows you do this entirely too much al- ready! — in order to fill your hungry 'adopted childrens' ' mouths, till they are large enough to dispose of at a fair bargain. May you be a kind guardian to them." "And what are you going to do with the money you get for them?" inquired Blossom. "Oh, I will buy — well, I won't tell you what. Just wait patiently, and you will know," replied Nicolas, laughingly. Precious Thoughts. 7 in. THE HAPPYSOMES' LOVE FOR FLOWERS. Not only was the Happysome house artistic- ally ornamented within, but the walks and gar- dens without were beautifully decorated with rare, sweet flowers, which were not only the pride of the household, but also the envy of the neigh- boring families. When duty did not call Blossom within doors she spent her leisure time out among the flowers. What recreation is purer, what recreation is more ennobling than that spent in the culture of flowers ? Some one has prettily said that love for na- ture's green garment of vegetation indicates a mind of pure thoughts. The lives of the Happy- some family are included among those that have verified this saying, for no purer individuals than they breathe or have ever breathed. 8 Precious Thoughts. IV. CLAUD AUSTIN PROPOSES MARRIAGE TO BLOSSOM. "Dearie, what has befallen you? Why have you been so grave during the day? What dis- turbs you? Speak your mind to me, my child," said Mrs. Happysome to Blossom one day. "Do you not remember my getting a letter last night from my old high school friend, Claud Austin, a young musician by profession? Well, he has asked me that old, old question which is ever new to true lovers," said Blossom. "What! Has he asked you to be his wife?" inquired the mother. "Yes ; but he does not want me to marry him for four or five years yet, for we are nothing but children now, he being twenty-one and I almost seventeen. To-morrow I shall write to him and ask him to come with his sister Sylvia, a charm- ing, womanly young woman, and make us a visit this fall, so that not only you can see him, but also he and I can talk the matter over in per- son," replied Blossom, Precious Thoughts. 9 "A capital idea, my daughter. Have him drop you a few lines before their arrival. Would that your poor father could be here at that time in- stead of within the legislative walls !" said Mrs. Happysome. Claud Austin was one of the manv who had sought the hand of Blossom. The report of her rare purity and worth had been noised far and near. Yet none as yet had succeeded in win- ning her respect and love. Is Claud Austin to be rejected also? V. NICOLAS ENCOUNTERS AN OWL. "It is noon now, and Nicolas has not yet made his appearance. I fear that some misfortune has befallen him, for he left with his gun very early this morning for the woods," said Blossom. Within half an hour Ray came running into the house to tell the good news that Nicolas was coming. ( 'Well, how do you do, 'stranger' ? What have io Precious Thoughts. you been doing since early morning, my son?" said the uneasy mother. "Now, to make a long story short, I will be quite concise. While roaming through the woods I encountered an old owl perched upon a limb. The owl nodded good-morning to me, and I did the same to him. Then I sat down upon a moss-cushioned log and gazed at him. As I gazed, I fell into a deep meditation — a medita- tion that had no bounds, apparently. The ques- tion that I tried to solve was, Which is the great- er — the owl that lays the egg, or the egg that hatches the owl? The more I thought, the more difficult of solving seemed the question. At last I gave up in utter disgust, after having mused three or four hours. "Don't you know, mother, I believe that the owl was thinking about the very same question? Don't you remember having read in that new book which tells about the transmission of thought? Well, I believe his thoughts were transmitted to me. How else could I have thought of such a thing?" said Nicolas. "Son ! My son, such a subject is too deep even Preciuus Thoughts. n for philosophers, let alone my little boy. Better would it be for you to think about how to keep your body clothed, how to keep food upon your table, and how to become a manly man, an inde- pendent and respected man. These questions are questions worthy of every one's consideration. If they were thought of more, there would be less paupers in the world," replied Mrs. Happysome. "Oh, the babies ! Oh, the babies are howling for food ! Surely, they must have seen me com- ing home. Too bad ! I entirely forgot them while in the woods, for I was too deeply medi- tating about the owl question. Well, this care- lessness means another hunt for me before the sun sets this day. A scrap or two from the table will satisfy them. I will go at once to attend to them," said Nicolas. VI. THE AUSTINS' VISIT TO THE HAPPYSOMES. Swiftly did the months pass. Autumn is at hand, and the Happysomes' visitors are expected any moment. 12 Precious Thoughts. The rattle of a vehicle announced the guests' arrival at the village. Blossom, dressed in a plain but becoming gown, welcomed them at the gate and led the way to the door, where they were met by Mrs. Happysome, who politely ushered them in. The vehicle and horses were taken to the barn and cared for. The next day the Happysomes, accompanied by their guests, carried their baskets full of vari- ous articles of food to the woods, and spent the day in eating, drinking and merrymaking. Nic- olas spent the time with his fowling piece, while the rest of the crowd fished, told side-rending stories and wandered through the woods. While the party walked home, a casual ob- server might have noticed the manly bearing of Claud Austin as he walked by the side of Blos- som. With his tall, straight person, with his black, curly hair, and with his dark-brown eyes, he seemed an ideal companion for the fair form at his side. Before the Austins' departure a close friend- ship had been formed between the two families. Precious Thoughts. 13 After all was quiet again at the Happysome home and work went its regular round, Mrs. Happysome asked Blossom what was to be her future relation to young Austin. To her moth- er's questions she replied: "It is agreed by us that we shall wed after we have grown older and Mr. Austin has been blessed more favorably financially." "May no dark shadow separate you from him before the appointed time! As for myself, I am very much pleased with him, for I believe him to be a pure, good man," said Mrs. Happy- some. VII. A CALL AT THE HAPPYSOMES' BY MRS. BROOKS. "Listen, dearest. What is that which I hear?" said Mrs. Happysome to Blossom. Another quick, nervous rap told the eager lis- teners that Mrs. Brooks was without the door. "Go and ask her in, and entertain her till I make and bake these cakes," said the mother. Now, Mrs. Brooks was a great talker. In 14 Precious Thoughts. fact, the village people had named her "The Newspaper." When comfortably seated, Mrs. Brooks said : "You find it quite lonely since the Austins have left, do you not? Indeed, they tell me that young Austin and you are engaged. Come, now, Sun-Blossom, don't deny it." A sudden rush of blood to Blossom's cheeks verified the report. "What little bird carried the message, I won- der? Mr. Austin and I intended to keep the matter to ourselves. Since it is no longer a se- cret, it is very well," replied Blossom. "Have you heard," said Mrs. Brooks, "the scandal about winsome young Widow Temple? Oh, it is horrible — simply horrid !" "No," replied Blossom. "Do give an account of the incident." "Well," said Mrs. Brooks, "the other day she called on Mrs. Pendleton, who had been plotting vengeance against her for some time. A slam of the door in her face told her that she was no longer wanted at the Pendleton home. It seems that Mrs. Temple had been casting bewitching Precious Thoughts. 15 smiles at Mr. Pendleton for several weeks. Mrs. Pendleton had been noticing that her husband kept spending less of his leisure hours at home, but had too much confidence in him to believe evil of him. One evening last week, when she saw her husband and pretty Widow Temple walking up the path together from the post office, she thought she had an explanation of both her hus- band's recent conduct toward her and Widow Temple's frequent calls at her home. This little incident was the cause of the Temple woman's insult by Mrs. Pendleton. "If I had been Mrs. Pendleton I would have challenged her to a duel. Oh, I would have pulled her hair out by the roots, scratched out her eyes, and knocked her down, so that she would have something else to think about besides trying to mar the happiness of homes ! You look as if you doubt it. I would have done it. I mean ex- actly what I say, and nothing else. "Husbands — what are they, that many of them should deem themselves privileged characters? They are not a whit better than their wives. Let them do naught but what they would want their 1 6 Precious Thoughts. wives do. There is but one woman for the true husband ; but one man for the true wife." "Your ideas about the equality of man and wife, about the sacredness of marriage are good — simply grand !" replied Blossom. "Oh, here comes mother with a tray of cookies and tarts," said Blossom. "Good afternoon, Mrs. Brooks. We began to think you had forgotten us. Do take some of my pastry," said Mrs. Happysome. "I was just going to tell Blossom about the dog and sheep trouble between Mr. Bruce and Mr. Clark. It is very amusing," said Mrs. Brooks. "Do tell us. We have not heard yet of any difficulty between the two neighbors. What is it all about?" said Blossom. "Well," began Mrs. Brooks, "Bruce's big dog — the yellow dog — has killed five or six of Clark's sheep. Bruce refused to pay the price Clark wanted for the dead sheep. "One day they met in the lane connecting their ranches. A hand-to-hand fight followed. Now Bruce was victor, now Clark. People far and near heard their cries. A crowd of idlers rushed Precious Thoughts. 17 to the little hill, at some distance from them, and beheld the two old men combating each other. They said it was worth going miles to see. A stranger who chanced to pass their way cried out : " 'Halloo, old boys! Are you testing yjur strength ? This day is too pleasant to be wasted in play; to-morrow it will be raining, and your hay in the field will be ruined.' "Up sprang the two old men, apparently ex- hausted after several hours of wrangling, fist- fighting and rolling upon the ground. After Bruce had finally agreed to pay the cost of the sheep on condition that Clark should inclose his land with a new, strong fence, they parted on good terms." "Indeed, it must have been exceedingly amus- ing," said both Blossom and Mrs. Happysome. "The clock strikes five. I must take my leave or my dear husband's supper won't be prepared when he comes," said Mrs. Brooks. After a kind invitation for the Happysomes to call on her and a warm good-by, our visitor started for home. 1 8 Precious Thoughts. VIII. NICOLAS' TRIP TO SAN FRANCISCO. "Mother," said Nicolas one day, "Guy Green and I have been planning for some time to take a trip to San Francisco. We are going- to work in Martin's sawmill this summer to get money to go on this fall. We will manage to do the home chores morning and evening, so that we can be spared during the day. Oh, yes, we intend to take the bears with us and sell them for a big sum." "Very well, my son. It is necessary that you see a little of the world, for you are getting on in years," said the mother. Summer has passed ; autumn is near its close. Nicolas and Guy are expected home any day. A gentle knock called Blossom to the door. A cry of delight from her announced the arrival of Nicolas. "Come, mother, with sister and me to the barn," said Nicolas. Curious, yet trembling, they followed him. A Precious Thoughts. 19 little Shetland pony and a baby monkey met their eyes when the barn door was opened. "Are these the things you bought with the bear money?" asked Blossom. "To be sure. Are they not worth many times the bears?" replied Nicolas. "Yes, if you do not break your neck in trying to train the pony — yes, if you do not teach the monkey to play tricks on me," said Blossom. "Shall I tell you about the things which we saw in the city?" asked Nicolas, a few days after his arrival. "Yes, do," replied all the rest of the family. "All right," replied Nicolas, "I will be brief. We made our abode on Market street. Every Saturday evening we walked down Market to the Emporium, called America's grandest store, to listen to the skilled musicians who play inces- santly for several hours. "Several times we rode out to the Cliff House and took a bath at Sutro's bathing establishment. Such baths as they are would be highly enjoyed by almost every one. "Golden Gate Park had a peculiar attraction 20 Precious Thoughts. for us. This natural park is scarcely to be sur- passed for its beauty elsewhere in America. Here in a lake we saw swans, in fields buffalo, elk, deer and kangaroos ; here in a cave we saw the old black, grizzly bear. While here we visited the chutes, where we saw all kinds of monkeys, snakes and other animals, including lions, foxes, etc., and rode in the miniature cars and in the boat. "Oh, the ride in the boat down that long, slanting wooden approach to the water ! Oh, its plunge, when it so suddenly touched the water ! Oh, the rapidity with which it rode over the watery surface ! Why, I thought I would ac- tually lose my breath and sitting !" "Allow me to interrupt you, my son," said the mother, "for it is nearly bedtime." IX. A LETTER TO BLOSSOM FROM CLAUD AUSTIN. Nearly four years have passed since the Aus- tins' visit to the Happysome family. One nieht Nicolas handed a letter to Blossom. Precious Thoughts. 21 It was from Claud Austin. The contents of this letter brought tears to her eyes. Saying, "Here, mother, read for yourself this letter," Blossom threw herself upon the sofa and hid her face in her hands, and silently wept. The following sentences were found in the let- ter: "Blossom, my love, my all, a great shadow hangs over my life at present. Our hopes of marrying next year have been crushed under the heel of misfortune — under the heel of cruel dis- ease. An operation, costing five hundred dollars, was performed upon my brother, Clyde. I felt duty bound to pay that sum, and in order to do so I have drawn five hundred dollars — my whole bank deposit, "I trust that you will not think ill of me, but will be willing to wait a year or two till I can furnish you a beautiful home to make you happy. Meanwhile, let us 'trust that somehow good will be the final goal of ill.' Life without you, Blos- som, would be a perfect blank to me, for you have become dearer to me than my very life." In reply to these words, Blossom said in her next lettei ; "Claud, you misunderstand me, I 22 Precious Thoughts. fear. For these long years I have not been think- ing of marrying you for your money and worldly riches, but because of your pure, rare character, your personal worth. Wealth, remember, is naught in comparison to a noble character. I could be happy — very happy — with you with nothing but a few yards of canvas to shelter us from nature's elements ; I could be happy with you if I had naught to eat and drink but bread and water." X. NICOLAS" SPORT WITH THE PONY. "What is that noise which I hear outside? I will run out and see," said Blossom. Within a few seconds she returned, choking with laughter and saying: "Do come quick, mother ! Hurry ! You must not fail to see the sight." The mother calmly replied, "It is one of Nic- olas' pranks, I suppose." Sure enough. Nicolas was having fine sport. Precious Thoughts. 23 Running at full speed through the field was Prince, the Shetland pony. Upon his back sat Nicolas, with his long legs dangling upon the ground. Jack, the monkey, was hanging to the pony's tail. Close at his heels were faithful Ro- ver and the rest of the dogs. With every leap of the pony Nicholas, Jack and the dogs gave a yell of delight. How amused was Nicolas when he saw Blos- som and his mother looking at him and nearly distracted with mirth at his expense! "Yes, Blossom," said he, "you can ride behind me some day if you choose. Wouldn't we look gay?" "Yes," replied she, "we would form a circus by ourselves ; and, too, we could charge a small fee at the gate. Mother can act as collector, and Ray as treasurer. How does this please you?" "I agree," said Nicolas, "to it. When shall the day be ? Pshaw ! you don't mean what you say, do you?" 24 Precious Thoughts. XL THE ARRIVAL OF MR. HAPPYSOME. One evening Ray came running into the house, saying: "Mamma, I sees papa toming. Oh, I sees him ture !" Running as fast as his little legs could carry him, he met his father — a short, handsome man, with silvery hair. After a few great hugs and kisses, his father picked him up in his arms and walked rapidly toward the rest of the family, who came running to meet him. When Mr. Happysome was pleasantly seated in the old armchair, he said : "I am so very glad to be at home once more. I find no place equal to my own little home. Would that duty did not call me so far away most of the year ! Alas, it must do so for some time yet. I find the life of a Senator not the most agreeable of lives. I am to be here but a few days, and then I must go back to the capital." "Arise, father," said Nicolas, "and come with me to see my investment — the investment I made with the bear money." Precious Thoughts. 25 Off father and son walked to the barn, where Prince and Jack were comfortably housed for the night. "What are these animals good for?" asked the father. "For many things. I quite frequently ride the pony while I am hunting for old Cherry. Then, too, I use him in hauling wood to the shed. "As for the monkey, we find him worth the en- joyment he gives us. He is so full of tricks," re- plied Nicolas. "What ! Do you ride the pony, my son ? You must look very amusing while on his back," said the father. "Amusing, did you say? Well, just ask sister and mother about it," replied Nicolas, smilingly. XII. THE VILLAGE CHARITY CIRCLE. Yesterday the Bee, a charity circle, met at the home of Miss Ruth Glens. Both young and old were present. The Happysome women were in- cluded among the number. 26 Precious Thoughts. The afternoon was spent in sewing - articles of various kinds of clothing for a large, destitute family but a few miles away. When a wagon loaded with the garments ar- rived at the home of the scantily-clad family, sun- shine dispelled the dark shadow from their faces. Such happy faces as they were are rarely seen. From year to year the Bee scatters seeds of sunshine in dark, hungry homes. XIII. THE MONKEY'S RIDE. "Look out at de windoo. I sees," said Ray, "something so vely tunny." All did as they were commanded. Right upon old Rover's back sat the monkey, holding with one hand to pussy and with the other to a rope tied around the dog's neck. Both the monkey and the cat were screaming as they a ode about the yard on Rover, whose tail almost touched the ground and whose head hung down as if he had just been flogged. Precious Thoughts. 27 This incident was one long to be remembered with laughter by the family. "What won't that boy Nicolas teach that mon- key yet? Well, it is far better for him to inno- cently amuse himself at home with the pony and the monkey than to spend his spare moments with the village loungers, who might lead him into a grave 'vice," said Mrs. Happysome. XIV. NICOLAS' EXPERIENCE ON THE ICE. One wintry day, when there were ice and snow upon the ground, Nicolas and Guy, accompanied by Blossom and Ruth Glens, started out for the lake, which was but a few miles from the village. Such a merry crowd had never left Sunny Dale. The jingle of the bells of the sled drawn by Prince as they passed along made the old feel young again as they recalled their childhood days. Nicolas and Guy sported upon the ice, while the girls rode at full speed over the snow. "Let us see," said Nicolas to Guy, "who can go farthest out upon the ice." 28 Precious Thoughts All of a sudden a penetrating cry from the direction of the lake reached the girls' ears. In an instant they were standing trembling at the edge of the lake. They saw a hole in the ice and poor Nicolas, venturesome Nicolas, strug- gling in the water and crying out at the top of his voice for help. Betwixt the three they succeeded in rescuing him from an untimely death. What an odd, laughable sight did Nicolas, with his drenched clothes, present ! So queer, indeed, did he look that his companions burst into a loud laugh. Nicolas, however, had not heart to join them in their merriment as they laughed at his expense. After this exciting incident the party betook themselves home. "Nicolas, my poor son, what has befallen you?" asked Mrs. Happysome, as she beheld Nicolas drenched with water from head to foot. "Let me take your wet clothes and hat and lay them upon the ground to dry," said Blossom. Nicolas, although his pride had been some- Precious Thoughts. 29 what wounded, soon recovered from the shock of this day's experience, and was as mischievous as ever. XV. CHANGES IN THE LIVES OF THE HAPPYSOME AND AUSTIN FAMILIES. Since first, kind reader, you became acquainted with the Happysome and the Austin families, a great change has taken place among their mem- bers. There is less sunshine now in the Happysome home. One bright, smiling face has left its threshold. Only the memory of her pure life is left to inspire the village people to higher things. Mrs. Happysome's face lights up with smiles now when people call her grandma. At present Nicolas is almost a man, and man- ages the whole farm during his father's long ab- sences. He has resolved to be an honest old bachelor, although many of the village girls would give their very lives to share his lot with him. He turns a deaf ear to the sweet words of 30 Precious Thoughts. Mary Anne Blake, and appears to see not her radiant smiles. Poor girl ! Her time has not come yet to wed. Blossom, the mistress of Claud Austin's home, has become the joy and pride of her husband, to whom she has borne a smiling, rosy baby boy. Naught but sunshine surround this home. Good has become the final goal of that ill-fortune which some years ago overshadowed the lives of this happy pair. Precious Thoughts. 31 LABOR, LIFE'S MISSION. The world in all its beauty reveals not only the handiwork of the great Designer, but also that of man. While nature, with its charming as- pects, forms the background, the marvelous crea- tions of man form the foreground. As nature abounds with innumerable materials in their free state, which need but to be fettered and variously transformed for utility, so man is endowed with special creative faculties, in order that he may modify these substances. The greater the ef- forts which he puts forth in developing his facul- ties, the greater and more precious are his con- veniences. When the world was yet very young he began to exercise them by constructing rude huts, tilling the soil and transforming raw prod- ucts into food and clothing. His creative pow^ ers are enlarged and perfected as the years pass into centuries. To-day, instead of the hut, the 32 Precious Thoughts. village, the patriarchal family, the rude school system, the crude implements, the tallow or waxen candle, we have the palace, the city, the strong, centralized government, an advanced edu- cational system, complicated machinery and the electric light. This great progress is due, not to the common mass of mankind, the indifferent, but to the faithful few — those who knew their mission and performed it. Great heights are reached, not by a single bound, but by continued efforts. Perseverance is the fountain from whence flows precious, sparkling waters. Many are they who fall a prey either to ease and luxury or to aimless, pov- erty-stricken lives, because success does not crown their first efforts. Stephenson labored for over twenty years to produce and perfect the locomotive engine. Because of years of perse- verance, Davy gave to the world the electric light; Fulton, the steamboat; Morse, the tele- graph ; Jasen, the microscope, and Field, the At- lantic cable. The secret of all success, of all greatness, and of all happiness is to live for a noble purpose. It Precious Thoughts. 33 has been said: "Let thrones decay, let empires perish, let dangers arise from without and from within, but stand firm to your purpose and true to your calling." The man without a purpose frit- ters away his energies and accomplishes nothing. He is rather to be likened unto the butterfly, which flits here and there, never gaining wealth, than unto the bee, which flies from flower tc flower and lays up stores for winter comforts. Behold the flowers of the field ! They blossom to-day, perish to-morrow. So it is with man. To-day we see him stand forth in all the vigor of his young manhood ; to-morrow we see him with his bent form and silvered hair. Life is too short to be spent in idleness. The living present alone bids our attention. The doors of oppor- tunity are open to men of activity, enthusiasm and enterprise, to men who know their message and tell it, know their mission and wish to perform it. Necessity in general makes manifest man's duty. Does not our country to-day in her press- ing need call for aid? Does she not want her children educated, the poverty-stricken and help- less cared for, the fallen lifted up, demons which 34 Precious Thoughts. corrupt manhood driven from her midst, and pol- itics purified? Man is a social being. His true happiness arises from serving his fellow-men; his mission is made void by serving self alone. Does not the sparkling brook as it flows winding through the country serve humanity better than the still water of a secluded lake? Does not the oasis bring more joy to the wearied, thirsty traveler and his camel than the burning sands of the barren des- ert? The value of a smile, a cordial handshake, a word of sympathy, a little act of service cannot be overrated. "Small service is true service." Small services are but the stepping-stones to greater services. Our Revolutionary fathers sacrificed their lives to give freedom to their posterity. Stanley and Livingstone at the risk of their lives brought light to the dark parts of Africa. Over three million slaves owed their freedom to the untiring efforts of Abraham Lincoln. The lifelong service of Frances Willard has borne most excellent fruit. Margaret, of New Orleans, who was an orphan, brought up by the Sisters of Charity, fed the Precious Thoughts. 35 hungry and cared for the orphan children with money she earned by selling milk and bread. She received the honor of being the first woman in the world to whom a monument in a public park was erected. Is it not to the honor of mankind, the glory of womanhood that this first monument was erected, not to some idle queen, some brilliant woman of exceptional gifts, but to a working- woman ? Labor, dignified labor, is man's mission. Were not the parents of the race placed by their Creator in the immortal Garden to till and care for it? The more the nerves and muscles of their bodies were strained, the more their brows were bathed with sweat, the greater was their happiness. So it is with their posterity. The degree of their comfort and happiness depends upon the energy with which they labor. Broad is the field of labor; many and diversi- fied are the sections into which it is divided. Each individual is endowed with a special fac- ulty for a special line of work. In a new and wild region, where the means of subsistence are scanty and where the individual is thrust almost 36 Precious Thoughts. entirely upon his own resources, in regions where the spirit of the Gospel has not entered and per- meated, there is seen that "survival of the fit- test," so noticeable everywhere in plant and brute life. John Smith, the old Virginia planter, realized that the posterity of a people rests upon the in- dividual laborer, when he issued his memorable proclamation, "He, vho does not work, should not eat." The old saying, "The world owes me a living," is of little account in this present age. While the able-bodied pauper of an enlightened and Christian country is an object of scorn, the weak and unfortunate man is an object of com- passion and sympathy, and shares the fruits of the labor of the more fortunate. Men deeply occupied in accomplishing some noble end, be it for self or for others, are kept free from the influences of evil men. All great minds confirm the statement that labor, whether it be manual or mental, is not only the most precious gift bestowed upon man, but it is also his greatest privilege. In the beginning, labor was imposed upon man Precious Thoughts. 37 for his best welfare; afterward, because of dis- obedience, it was imposed upon him as a curse. After the coming of the Son of Man it became his greatest privilege. Hard labor, true labor, not only satisfies and ennobles the mind and gives strength and vigor to the body, but also causes the barren desert to blossom as the rose. 38 Precious Thoughts. GOLDEN RESULTS OF PURPOSEFUL LIVES. During the past ages man has made great progress, although the pessimist sees only dark- ness and degeneration where the optimist sees sunshine and advancement. In primitive days mankind dwelt in caves, in rude huts and beneath twisted boughs. Tribes were isolated by mountain barriers. Man wan- dered at will through unclaimed forests. Conti- nents were separated by mysterious and unsailed seas. Man has felled those forests and reared in their place palaces, cities and empires. He has spanned the rivers, crossed the continents with railways and subdued the mighty waves of the sea, over which he rides swiftly by the wondrous power of steam. He has enslaved the elements of the world, and even the wind and lightning Precious Thoughts. 39 obey his will. Telegraphs and cables have brought the peoples of every land into closer and more vital relations with one another. The print- ing-press has made us acquainted with the noble thoughts and deeds of the great men of every age, with the heroes who have spent their lives for others, with the painters and sculptors who have created immortal forms by brush and chisel ; it has made us acquainted with the philosophers who have fathomed the very depths of man's be- ing and have learned the mysteries of the celes- tial bodies. Women — notably the American women — are overcoming popular opinion, prejudices, and are stepping beyond the boundaries of the realm as- signed to woman when the world was in its in- fancy. They have separated themselves into three groups. First, the old type of woman ; she believes that by remaining faithful to the home life alone she can more successfully instill noble principles of manhood and womanhood into the minds of her children. Secondly, the new wom- an; she believes that her duty pertains not only to the home, but also to politics ; therefore, she 40 Precious Thoughts. petitions Congress that she be allowed to cast her vote at the polls. She thinks, since she is under the laws of her country, she ought to be allowed to help frame the laws. She wants to aid in cleansing politics of its corruption, and help steer the ship of state. Lastly, the "bachelor girl" ; she thinks, since she is able to contend with her brother on the horse, on the wheel, in running, rowing, galloping and in the classroom, she is able also to contend with him in all the profes- sions. She abandons the home and its environ- ment, and successfully follows a profession. The woman of the twentieth century will be a revelation. She will no longer be the timid, shrinking shadow of man ; she will no longer be the weaker vessel, for she is developing by phys- ical culture that side of her nature which has lain dormant for centuries. What was it that so deeply agitated the Amer- ican mind when it was made known that the statue of Maude Adams, a charming but frail young woman, was to be sent to the Parisian ex- position as a typical representative of the Amer- ican girl who is the young Amazon? Precious Thoughts. 41 At this critical age our country cries and groans for men of noble purposes and strong con- victions of purity and justice. Few men dare to stand firmly against public sentiment and contend for what they know to be of vital interest to man- kind, while the indifferent, who number thou- sands, drift with the popular current. He is a slave who dares not stand for the right with two or three. Do not ten men vote for party while one man votes according to the dictates of his conscience? Are not many of our places of re- sponsibility occupied by men of low principles, by men enthroned by a certain political party, and who retain their positions either by policy or the support of their promoters? Men of noble pur- poses, men who are as true to their trust as the needle is to the poles, men who will not sell their convictions, their birthrights, for a morsel of bread or a paltry piece of silver, are needed, not only to hold the reins of government, but also to be citizens of the Republic. Here and there in the firmament of history shines a remarkable star. Did not Columbus re- main faithful to his convictions? Did he not 42 Precious Thoughts. contend against the opinions and scornful hisses of united Europe, and for years petition the courts to equip him with ships and provisions? Nay, did he not at last bid farewell to Palos and boldly venture out upon the mysterious sea? William Lloyd Garrison, a man of strong con- victions, dared to stand alone and face the throngs in Boston who were crying for negro servitude, and he even died for what he knew to be right and just. Continuously in the mind are being produced noble ideas, which, if unheeded, finally vanish. Often a smoldering ideal can be fanned into a glowing, brilliant reality. Heroic deeds, noble acts, successful undertakings, are but the realiza- tions of created ideas. Roscoe, in his mind, experienced the life of the poor, ignorant laborer, and pitied him. Then he, in truth, built fountains for him where he could come after his day's work, cool his brow, medi- tate and grow wiser. Howard, in his mind, put himself into the place of the prisoner, and lived his wretched life. And then he instituted prison reform. Precious Thoughts. 43 Florence Nightingale, in her mind, felt the pains of the wounded soldiers. Then, in reality, she gathered about her an army of angel forces, which, with her as leader, walked with tearful eyes and voices soft and low among the sick and dying. Men who have made marvelous achievements have been castle-bilders. We rise by what is under our feet. "We build the ladder by which we rise from the lowly earth to the vaulted skies, and mount to its summit round by round." Now and then physical weakness enters ambi- tion's door and partially closes it. Although it thrusts man from the full tide of this world's in- terest, from its hopes, its aspirations, its victories, yet he calmly submits to its mighty power, and is happy with his lot, trying still to bring to pass his great ultimate purpose in life. 44 Precious Thoughts. PROGRESS OF DOMESTIC SCIENCE. The present state of American household serv- ice in the home with modern improvements is far different from what it was a century ago. If we wish to study the gradual evolution of American housekeeping it may best be traced in New Eng- land. First, we have the lob-cabin and garrison- house period. Necessity made labor dignified in those days. The men worked in the fields, the women in the kitchen, but both had many other occupations and knew the elements of several trades. The men shod their plows with hand- wrought iron and the women spun and wove the household linen. Second, we have the frame-house period, when the house was built about the great chimney and the kitchen was the main living room. House- Precious Thoughts. 45 keeping was not difficult in those days, because the family lived in so small a space that house- cleaning was reduced to a minimum. There was seldom a carpet and no bric-a-brac, while wooden or flag-bottomed chairs alone were used. A few tin spoons were often the only precious metal in the house besides a string of gold beads. The family cooked, ate, washed, sat, sewed, and al- most slept in the kitchen. It is no wonder that the housewife could do all the indoor work, make all the clothes, nurse her children, attend to the neighboring sick, piece numberless patchwork quilts, knit pillow-cases full of stockings, braid rugs, besides finding time to go to meeting. The transition from the simplest frame house to the house of modern improvements began with the evolution of the dining-room. With the din- ing-room began the ignoring of the process of cooking by the mistress, the separation of the household into those who served and those who were served. The kitchen became degraded, for it was no longer the center of family life. It was considered the inferior part of the house and was given to the care of inferiors, because with the 46 Precious Thoughts. specialized house originated the servant-girl. In the log-cabin period each family did all its own work, and neighbors sometimes exchanged, while in the frame-house period the family hired help from neighboring households. The help ate and worked with the family. They were of the same nationality and attended the same church. The development of the dining-room caused social distinctions to be made, and then American girls no longer could be hired. Help must be obtained from foreign lands. The Irish girl, Biddy, was introduced into household service, and carried the service down with her. She did not know a dust- pan by sight; she broke and burnt at pleasure, stopped up the sink drain without remorse, and yet demanded for her work three dollars a week. True, some of the Biddies of this period were perfect, model helps in the kitchen, but as a rule they rendered very poor service. It has been said that intelligent, self-respecting girls will starve before entering household serv- ice, although it is better paid than almost any other manual labor performed by women and is done under more comfortable surroundings than Precious Thoughts. 47 many kinds of work in factories, sewing-rooms and shops. Nevertheless, the woebegone house- wife complains because she is willing to pay high wages but cannot get trustworthy, efficient serv- ice in her kitchen. It is plain why our self-respecting American girls do not enter household service. It com- mands no respect. The only way to make cook- ing, cleaning and other forms of housework re- spectable is to have this labor performed by re- spected, educated women. For one to be a nurse was once considered disgraceful, but now it is considered honorable and is looked forward to as a profession by hundreds of American girls of good families. What brought about this change? Training and education. Another kind of service has risen in dignity be- cause it has been taken up by cultured people. At the summer resorts in many parts of our country, notably at White Mountains, the dining-room at- tendance has passed into the hands of college stu- dents and local school mistresses. The latest phase of American housekeeping which throws a hopeful light on the situation is 48 Precious Thoughts. the "girl bachelor establishment," which is springing up in many of our large cities. Col- lege girls, bright business and professional wom- en, are beginning to be willing to perform for themselves the humblest tasks. The difference between the conveniences in the home to-day and fifty or a hundred years ago is very great. Then, as now, the housework went its weary round of cooking, sewing, washing, ironing, scrubbing, sweeping and dusting. To- day an abundance of water is brought to our sinks and much labor and anxiety are saved. Then it was carried by the pailful from wells or springs, which were liable to fail in dry seasons. To-day, notwithstanding we have the sewing- machine, which far outsews the fingers, this greater rapidity has made possible as much greater elaborateness and profusion, so that pre- cious time is used up all the same. As to cooking, while our present conveniences do take from its labor, so that with equal sim- plicity we should gain time, here again comes in the greater elaborateness, brought about partly by the cooking schools which made the olden- Precious Thoughts. 49 time cooking seem quite rudimentary. There is with a greater variety of food increased labor of preparation. The walls, tables and mantels then were unen- cumbered with the multifarious and all-pervad- ing bric-a-bac which row has to be dusted and variously cared for as a part of every day's work. To-day we have upholstered furniture to add to our comfort, which require more care than did the olden-time chairs, for moths have a peculiar liking for them. Now there is a multitude of rooms in the home instead of the one living room and tiny bedrooms of the former period. Is there any wonder, then, that the woman with the most conveniences needs an aid? The question is, Do the present conveniences and the greater multiplicity of things to be done just about balance each other, or do the former help to bring to light that unknown quantity desired by women — "time enough." The important place that domestic science oc- cupies in civilization is being more and more real- ized. 'All over our country schools are being es- tablished — the Pratt Institute, in Brooklyn; the 5