WHAT RUTH HAD

New Zealand Tablet, 7 August 1913, Page 61

WHAT RUTH HAD

i : ' Oh, there's * that Ruth Knolls and her brother again! Do you know, Miss Merton, she is just awfully dull in school, and we girls laugh at her so much. She hasn't a particle of brilliancy.' ; •,"■ Viva chattered this speech out as she walked along the street beside Miss Merton. 'She has something far better than brilliancy,' said Miss Merton. 'What?' said Viva, her cheeks flushing uncomfortably; for she felt that she had made a mistake, and she was very anxious to stand well in Miss Merton's opinion. ' She has a courteous manner. That is a grace that is very great, but far too rare. I know Ruth quite well, and her kindness and courtesy are unfailing in company or at home. She is going to grow into a lovely womanhood.' . 'I am sorry 1 spoke so,' said Viva. 'I really don't know anything about her except that she stumbles so dreadfully in her lessons.' , ' 'No doubt she is very sorry about it. It is a fine gift to be quick and bright in understanding things but you know," my dear, that it is far more important to be kind hearted and gentle. When you go out in the world no one will ever ask or know whether you got good grades in algebra and Latin. If you have done your best, it is.wrought unto you whether your best is very good or only mediocre. But be sure of this everyone who meets you will know, without putting you through an examination, whether you are a gentlewoman or not. It isn't practical to quote Greek or discuss psychology or read Shakespeare with everyone you meet; but you can always speak kindly and listen courteously, , and quietly look out for the opportunity to do the little deeds of kindness that make our lives so much more worth living.'