other in touch with
innocent children. Gertrude gave home duties prominence over all others,
with the blessed result that George found more attractions in his own
home than in clubs or in the homes of his friends.

To do daily some little favor for his wife, as in lover days, gave him
much pleasure. Every night George came home with a new book, rare
flowers, or fruit, the first of the season, or some novel plaything for
his "Two G's" as he often called the little twins. Gertrude occasionally
rebuked her husband for spending the money foolishly, as she said, but
then remembrance of his family when down town gratified her. Wives miss
and long for appreciation more than for better dress or money. If, on
return to tea, the bread is good, the thoughtful husband speaks of it. If
the table-cloth is white or if the arrangement of the meal is artistic,
he speaks of it. A single word of honest approval makes the wife happy.

Sometimes Gertrude wondered why the marriage ceremony so often untied
lovers' knots, and why after marriage love and esteem did not increase.
She never forgot the advice of an old lady, too poor to make her a
wedding present, who told her that if she wished to be happy in marriage
she must always keep two bears in her home, bear and forbear.

George and his wife were human, and not unlike other people. Now and then
George would say to his intimate friends. "The Ingrams like most New
Englanders did not come over in the Mayflower as the passenger list was
full, neither do the Ingrams belong to that very large number of families
who feel the necessity of saying, 'We have never had an unkind word
in our home.' Gertrude and I both have strong wills, and we often differ
in opinions, but as often we agree to disagree. In this manner we avoid
sunken rocks that might wreck our ship."

One day, Irene, George's youngest sister, asked Gertrude for a painting
of herself and of George. "Too expensive, Irene," replied Gertrude,
"couldn't think of it for a moment."

"No, Gertrude, I want only a tiny picture of your thumb and George's."

"What in the world do you want of our thumbs?"

"Because, Gertrude, George tells me privately that he has you completely
under his thumb, and you always act as if you thought you had George
under your thumb."

Gertrude and George were strong and helpful, both educated, unselfish
and ambitious; why should they not succeed? Gertrude had learned that
good and great people are also someti