Elsies Motherhood | Page 8

bottle has some drops
that will do Uncle Jack's head good; and this larger one is for Aunt
Delia. Tell her to rub her joints with it. There is medicine for the baby,
and Hannah must give it a warm bath. If it is not better directly we
must send for the doctor. Now, here is a box of salve, excellent for cuts,
burns and bruises; spread some on a bit of rag, and tie it on Silvy's
boy's foot. There, I think that is all. I'll be down after a while, to see
how they are all doing," and with some added directions concerning the
use of each remedy, Aunt Sally was dismissed.
Then Aunt Dicey, the housekeeper, came for her orders for the day, and
such supplies from pantry and storehouse as were needed in carrying
them out.
In the meantime the riding party had returned, Harold and Violet had
been treated to a ride about the grounds, the one in his father's arms,
Beppo stepping carefully as if he knew he carried a tender babe, the
other on one of the ponies close at papa's side and under his watchful
eye.
It was a rosy merry group mamma found upon the veranda, chatting to

each other and laughing gayly as they watched their father cantering
down the avenue on his way to the fields to oversee the work going on
there.
They did not hear their mother's step till she was close at hand asking in
her own sweet, gentle tones, "My darlings, had you a pleasant time?"
"O, yes, mamma, so nice!" and they gathered about her, eager to claim
her ever ready sympathy, interested in their joys no less than their
sorrows.
They had been taught to notice the beauties of nature--the changing
clouds, the bright autumn foliage, plants and flowers, insects, birds,
stones; all the handiwork of God; and the elder ones now never
returned from walk or ride without something to tell of what they had
seen and enjoyed.
It was surprising how much they learned in this easy pleasant way, how
much they gained almost imperceptibly in manners, correctness of
speech, and general information, by this habit of their parents of
keeping them always with themselves and patiently answering every
proper question. They were encouraged not only to observe, but to
think, to reason, and to repeat what they had learned; thus fixing it
more firmly in their minds. They were not burdened with long tasks or
many studies, but required to learn thoroughly such as were set them,
and trained to a love for wholesome mental food; the books put into
their hands being carefully chosen by their parents.
Though abundantly able to employ a governess, Elsie preferred
teaching her darlings her self. There was a large, airy room set apart for
the purpose, and furnished with every suitable appliance, books, maps,
globes, pictures, an orrery, a piano, etc., etc. There were pretty
rosewood desks and chairs, the floor was a mosaic of beautifully
grained and polished woods, the walls, adorned with a few rare
engravings, were of a delicate neutral tint, and tasteful curtains draped
each window.
Thither mother and children now repaired, and spent two happy hours

in giving and receiving instruction.
Harold had not yet quite mastered the alphabet. His task was, of course,
soon done, and he was permitted to betake himself to the nursery or
elsewhere, with his mammy to take care of him; or if he chose to
submit to the restraint of the school-room rather than leave mamma and
the others, he might do so.
Violet could already read fluently, in any book suited to her years, and
was learning to spell, write and sew.
Eddie was somewhat further advanced, and Elsie had begun arithmetic,
history and geography; music, also, and drawing; for both of which she
already shown decided talent.
School over, she had a half hour of rest, then went to the piano for an
hour's practice, her mamma sitting by to aid and encourage her.
Mr. Travilla came in, asking, "Where is Eddie?"
"Here, papa," and the boy came running in with face all aglow with
delight. "O, are you going to teach me how to shoot? I saw you coming
with that pistol in your hand, and I'm so glad."
"Yes," his father answered, smiling at the eager face. "You will not be
anxious, little wife?" turning to her with a tender loving look.
"No, my husband; surely I can trust him with you, his own wise, careful,
loving father;" she answered with a confiding smile.
"O papa, mayn't I go along with you? and won't you teach me too?"
cried Violet, who was always ready for any excitement.
"Not to-day, daughter: only Eddie and I are going now; but sometime I