MADELINE’S MOOD

New Zealand Tablet, 31 July 1913, Page 61

MADELINE’S MOOD

She was not an attractive. girl in any way, and she knew it. She was restless and cross and unhappy, and growing more unattractive in looks and manner as'she became older. Then an aunt, visiting at her home after a long residence in a distant city, sized up the situation, and out of pity for both the girl and everybody with whom she came in contact, undertook ! to prescribe the sure cure. ‘Madeline, do you want to be a torment to yourj self and everybody about you all your life?’ was the blunt and astonishing question she put to her niece one day. ‘ No, of course not,’ was the prompt and halffrightened reply from the astonished girl. I ‘You’d rather be sweet and lovely and happy came the next question ; and it brought a sincere affirma- ! tive this time. The aunt handed her a folded paper, and smiled as she said, very kindly now; Follow this magic prescription, and you will be what you want to be,’ and she was gone, Madeline read: ‘ Every time you want to frown, j smile. Every time a cross thought comes, think a

pleasant one. ' Every time something nice is done for you, do something nicer for someone else.’ For a few moments she was crosser than ever. Then common sense saved the day. She tried the cure—honestly, sincerely, prayerfully; and to her own lifelong joy—to say nothing of everybody else— was soon no happier, more attractive, more lovable girl in the place than she.