Page:Side talks with girls (1895).djvu/248

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236
Side Talks with Girls

portance that she will repeat it to her sister-in-law, and gradually what was meant to be a secret is told all round the neighborhood. The art of keeping to yourself what you hear on each side of the house is one that you must cultivate, for it means the keeping of peace. Surely you would not wish to hurt your husband, and yet you will do it if you cannot realize the importance of silence.

When you enter his mother's house anything that is told to you in confidence must be forgotten when you leave it, unless, indeed, it is discussed with your husband, and the same rule will apply to your own family. Don't imagine that every little frown, every little disagreeable word is meant for you, and do not retail to your husband anything unpleasant that may have happened when you were visiting at his mother's house. Think that she is your mother, too, and give her the privilege of speaking to you as your mother does. I know it isn't always easy to have fault found with one when one is trying to do one's best, but think over what was said, if there is anything helpful in it, and let the rest go. Respect your husband's mother as you do your own, and the respect will beget love and confidence as well as happiness for you both, in the new life and the new home.