HOW much comprised in the simple word, kindness! One kind word, oreven one mild look, will oftentimes dispel thick gathering gloomfrom the countenance of an affectionate husband, or wife. When thetemper is tried by some inconvenience or trifling vexation, andmarks of displeasure are depicted upon the countenances and perhaps,too, that most "unruly of all members" is ready to vent its spleenupon the innocent husband or wife, what will a kind mien, a pleasantreply, accomplish? Almost invariably perfect harmony and peace arethus restored.
These thoughts were suggested by the recollection of a littledomestic incident, to which I was a silent, though not uninterestedspectator. During the summer months of 1834, I was spending severalweeks with a happy married pair, who had tasted the good and ills oflife together only a twelvemonth. Both possessed many amiablequalities, and were well calculated to promote each other'shappiness. My second visit to my friends was of a week's duration,in the month of December. One cold evening the husband returned homeat his usual hour at nine o'clock, expecting to find a warm fire forhis reception, but, instead, he found a cheerless, comfortless room.His first thought, no doubt, was, that it was owing to thenegligence of his wife, and, under this impression, in rather asevere tone, he said,
"This is too bad; to come in from the office cold, and find no fire;I really should have thought you might have kept it."
I sat almost breathless, trembling for the reply. I well knew it wasno fault of hers, for she had wasted nearly all the evening, andalmost exhausted her patience, in attempting to kindle a fire. Shein a moment replied, with great kindness,
"Why my dear, I wonder what is the matter with our stove! We musthave something done to-morrow, for I have spent a great deal of timein vain to make a fire."
This was said in such a mild, pleasant tone, that it had the mosthappy effect. If she had replied at that moment, when his feelingswere alive to supposed neglect, "I don't know who is to blame; Ihave done my part, and have been freezing all the evening for mypains. If the stove had been put up as it should have been, allwould have been well enough." This, said in an unamiable, peevishtone, might have added "fuel to the fire," and this little breezemight have led to more serious consequences; but fortunately, hermild reply restored perfect serenity. The next day the stove wastaken down, and the difficulty, owing to some defect in the flue,was removed. What will not a kind word accomplish?
THE END.
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