tell to other children this
newly found knowledge?" If the wise mother makes them feel they are a
part of a "family," and reminds them that such matters as the secrets
about Santa Claus, the stork, and the baby nest are only discussed in
"family groups," they are often seized with the normal pride which
accompanies confidence, and often keep secrets as well or even better
than do most adults.

One day a little man, three-and-a-half years old, was posing for a
photograph. The photographer said: "My little fellow, you pose well.
We've had such a good time together. Where did they get such a lad as
you?"

The mother's heart stood still. From her hiding place behind a large
curtain at the back of the studio, she listened, wondering what would
be his answer.

At first he hesitated, but after a moment's pause, said: "Really, Mr.
W. if you don't know I feel sorry for you, and I'd really like to tell
you, but I can't, it's a secret between me and my mamma."

Children enjoy secrets. If possible, isolate a group of subjects that
are not to be discussed with playmates, such as Santa Claus facts, the
stork story, and the baby story; often the very isolation of one
single fact stands out so big in the child's mind that he is many
times tempted to mention it, when, if it were associated with a whole
group of "family secrets" he would seldom be led to talk about it. As
we have said, children can keep secrets much better than most adults;
and just suppose they _should_ tell something--what harm? With
twenty-five false stories in the neighborhood, suppose one story of
truth should escape! No particular harm would result; but I find they
keep these secrets well.

Numerous questions will arise which should be met with open frankness.
No blush, no shame, should even suggest itself, for we are dealing
with a wonderful truth, so let us give out our answers with clean
hearts and pure minds. The Great Father will bless us and surround our
loved "flock" with a garment of confidence in mother and father that
will protect from much of the evil which is in the world, and,
eventually, our little ones will grow into men and women whose very
life of purity will cast its influence into the social circle. Only
the company of the good and the true and the pure will be sought when
associating with the opposite sex; while, in the end, better mothers
and better fathers will be developed for the work of the next
generation.

TEN POSSIBLE CAUSES O