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has a party of playfellows, his mirth is not noisy and boisterous. He
does not think, as some rude children do, that all play consists in
screaming, shouting, tearing clothes, and knocking things to pieces, but
finds plenty of sport for his little visitors without doing any of these
things, and makes them as merry as possible. When cakes or fruit are
sent into the playroom, he helps his guests all round before he touches
any himself. He places them in the seats nearest the fire, or, in fine
weather, where they can see the most pleasant prospect. As good manners
always arise from a good temper and a kind heart which desires to make
others happy, so they are sure to promote good-humour and happiness. The
play-parties of Charles, therefore, are never spoilt by disputes and
quarrels. His visitors come with delight, and leave him with regret.
WELL-BRED CHARLES is constantly attentive to the ease and comfort of
those about him. He pays great respect and deference to people who are
old. He never uses coarse words nor bad language, and always speaks
civilly to servants. He does not enter the parlour with dirty hands and
face, nor ever greases his clothes, for he knows that dirty habits are
offensive, disgusting things, and therefore he carefully avoids them.
Some children put on their good manners with their best clothes, and
think they need behave well only before company; but the politeness of
such children is stiff, awkward, and troublesome, and they always forget
themselves, and return to some of their vulgar habits, before they leave
the company. It is the constant practice of good manners, at all times
and in all places, that renders them easy, becoming, sweet and natural,
like those of Well-bred Charles.
The daughters of this good and happy family are no less worthy of praise
than the sons. The eldest girl, whom we may call PATIENT EMMA, has the
misfortune to suffer from illness. Sometimes she has severe pain, yet
she bears it with patience and fortitude. She even tries to hide what
she feels, that she may not afflict her kind parents; and the instant
she has a little ease she becomes as cheerful as any one. She submits
without a murmur to take what medicines the doctors prescribe for the
cure of her illness. She is not so foolish as to expect to find a
pleasant taste in physic, but she expects that it will be of service to
her; and she would rather have a bitter taste in her mouth for a few
moments, than endure d
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