34 Edward Livingston Youmans. 



This chapter may fitly end with a pleasant remi- 

 niscence in his sister's words : 



Edward's habit of helping his mother resulted in great 

 handiness in domestic matters. When leaving home for a 

 day, his parents left the care of affairs with him. He pre- 

 pared the meals, and took responsible charge of things. A 

 sufficient comment upon his management is the fact that 

 his parents were satisfied with it, and the children always 

 greatly enjoyed such occasions. He was an amusing and 

 entertaining companion full of interesting explanations, 

 kindly warnings, merry stories, and lively songs. I think 

 he kept us in tolerable order, but we certainly led a hap- 

 pier life than when our parents were with us. I do not re- 

 call any instance of rebellion against his authority. He 

 did not coddle us, nor was he assuming or authoritative. 

 He was simply faithful to the needs of the hour, and from 

 morning till night kept up our interest in whatever occu- 

 pied his mind at the time. 



