Life's Boomerang

Kate laughed. "But, Mother," she said, "you never did that for
us."

"Which ain't saying I never WANTED to," said Mrs. Bates, sourly.
"You're a child only once in this world; it's a little too rough
to strip childhood of everything. I ain't so certain Bates ways
are right, that for the rest of my time I'm goin' to fly in the
face of all creation to prove it. If God lets me live a few years
more, I want the faces around me a little less discontenteder than
those I've been used to. If God Almighty spares me long enough, I
lay out to make sure that Adam and Polly will squeeze out a tear
or two for Granny when she is laid away."

"I think you are right, Mother," said Kate. "It didn't cost
anything, but we had a real pretty Christmas tree this year, and I
believe we can do better next time. I want the children to love
you, but don't BUY them."

"Well, I'd hardly call an orange and a stick of candy traffickin'
in affection," said Mrs. Bates. "They'll survive it without
underminin' their principles, I'll be bound, or yours either.
Katie, let's make a beginning to-day. LET'S WORK WHAT IS RIGHT,
AND HEALTHY, A FAIR PART OF THE DAY, AND THEN EACH DAY, AND SUNDAY
ESPECIALLY, LET'S PLAY AND REST, JUST AS HARD AS WE WORK. IT'S
BEEN ALL WORK AND NO PLAY TILL WE'VE BEEN MIGHTY 'DULL BOYS' AT
OUR HOUSE; I'M FREE TO SAY THAT I HANKER FOR A CHANGE BEFORE I
DIE."