Page:Side talks with girls (1895).djvu/151

Rh

Having made little mistakes, having been the pupil of that great teacher, experience, it is only right for you to give the hand of guidance to your younger sisters. This you can do in such a way that you do not seem to put yourself up on a pedestal and preach to them, but you do appear to be what you really are—interested in their not making the same mistakes that you have, and so forcing all life to become smoother to them through your goodness. The inclination of an older girl is to patronize a younger one. Don't do this. Make your sister or sisters your companions and friends; try to induce each one of them to make the home-life more interesting and to co-operate with you in lifting the burdens from the shoulders of the busy mother. Tell your sisters of your pleasures; let them feel that together you can discuss their daily lives, and enter closely into whatever seems of importance to them. Help a bit with the lessons; give a word of encouragement to that one who tires of the many hours of practice on the piano; tell her of the great pleasure that music gives to others, how its sweet strains will deaden the voice of scandal and kill the unkind word. Teach your younger sisters the womanly care they should give to their clothes; teach this by gentle words. Make