had promised that he certainly would not tease any more.  As soon as he had eaten it, he, of course, began again; and with the additional threat, ’If you don’t give me a piece, I will roar after the company comes, so loud that they can all hear me.’  The end of all this was, that the boy had a sound whipping, was put to bed, and could not sleep all night, because the mince-pie made his stomach ache.  What an accumulation of evils in this little scene!  His health injured—­his promises broken with impunity—­his mother’s promises broken—­the knowledge gained that he could always vex her when she was in a hurry—­and that he could gain what he would by teasing.  He always acted upon the same plan afterward; for he only once in a while (when he made his mother very angry) got a whipping; but he was always sure to obtain what he asked for, if he teased her long enough.  His mother told him the plain truth, when she said the mince-pie would hurt him; but he did not know whether it was the truth, or whether she only said it to put him off; for he knew that she did sometimes deceive.  When she gave him the pie, he had reason to suppose it was not true it would hurt him—­else why should a kind mother give it to her child?  Had she told him that if he asked a second time, she would put him to bed directly—­and had she kept her promise, in spite of entreaties—­she would have saved him a whipping, and herself a great deal of unnecessary trouble.  And who can calculate all the whippings, and all the trouble, she would have spared herself and him?  I do not remember ever being in her house half a day without witnessing some scene of contention with the children.

“Now let me introduce you to another acquaintance.  She was in precisely the same situation, having a comfortable income and one domestic; but her children were much more numerous, and she had had very limited advantages for education.  Yet she managed her family better than any woman I ever saw, or ever expect to see again.  I will relate a scene I witnessed there, by way of contrast to the one I have just described.  Myself and several friends once entered her parlor unexpectedly, just as the family were seated at the supper-table.  A little girl, about four years old, was obliged to be removed, to make room for us.  Her mother assured her she should have her supper in a little while, if she was a good girl.  The child cried; and the guests insisted that room should be made for her at table.  ‘No,’ said the mother; ’I have told her she must wait; and if she cries, I shall be obliged to send her to bed.  If she is a good little girl, she shall have her supper directly.’  The child could not make up her mind to obey; and her mother led her out of the room, and gave orders that she should be put to bed without supper.  When my friend returned, her husband said, ’Hannah, that was a hard case.  The poor child lost her supper, and was agitated by the presence of strangers.  I could hardly keep from taking her on my knee, and giving her some supper.  Poor little thing!  But I never will interfere with your management; and much as it went against my feelings, I entirely approve of what you have done.’  ’It cost me a struggle,’ replied his wife; ’but I know it is for the good of the child to be taught that I mean exactly what I say.’