The Gates of Paradise by Barbara Cartland Read Free Book Online Page B

her feet that she had practised so much of the Alexanderburg language with the Baron on the Battleship.
    She knew that she was almost word perfect.
    Remembering that she was supposed to be Louise, she spoke of her happy childhood in England and how she had attended an English School.
    â€œI know,” she insisted, “that His Royal Highness, my husband, is very anxious to improve our facilities for education here in Alexanderburg.
    â€œBut what you must do, and this bit is very important, is to make your children interested in learning even before they go to school.”
    She told them about some of the lessons her father had taught her and how it was essential for young children to learn to read as early as possible.
    â€œI have always been so grateful that I can read book after book and find every single one entrancing.  That is an education in itself and every child should begin by reading a simple fairy tale.”
    She realised that the women were listening intently as she continued,
    â€œI am sure that you will have lots of questions you would like to ask.  Perhaps no one has the time in this busy country to answer you.  Therefore do please ask me now and I will try to answer as best as I can.”
    She saw that the Lord Mayor and the Councillors with him were astonished.
    One woman asked Narina which fairy story she felt was best for children and another asked if it was a mistake for children to love their toys more than their parents.
    Narina smiled at these questions.
    â€œI think the truth is that a child wants a companion and if they do not have another child to play with they will begin to believe that their dolls and teddy bears are living persons – someone they can talk to and who will answer them in their own language.
    â€œMy advice to you is simple.  If you want a child to be happy and if you can give it a new playmate by having another child as near its age as possible, then do so.”
    There was laughter at this advice and she could see that the women were interested.
    And so the questions came thick and fast.
    Then, as the majority of the women in the hall had their children with them, Narina announced,
    â€œNow I am coming down from the platform and I would like to see your children.  I do think they have been very good whilst I have been speaking and that you have brought them all up exceedingly well.”
    The women were delighted.
    As she started to walk round, one of the babies who was very young and in its mother’s arms, started to cry.
    The woman rocked the baby, rose from her seat and walked about with it, but still the baby cried.
    It was then that Narina remembered something her mother had done once.
    A child had cried at a meeting when her father was speaking and he was always irritated if he was interrupted so her mother took great pains to keep the children happy.
    Narina turned to a Councillor standing beside her.
    â€œCan you fetch me some honey?” she asked.
    â€œHoney!” he exclaimed.
    â€œYes please, honey and a teaspoon.”
    He sent a servant off to find the honey.
    In a few moments the servant came hurrying back with a comb of honey on a plate and a small teaspoon.
    Narina scooped up some of the honey that had run out of the comb and put it gently on the baby’s lips.
    For a while he went on crying and then as he tasted the honey, he began to enjoy it.
    He sucked away at what was already on his tongue until Narina placed more honey in his mouth.
    â€œNow he will go to sleep,” she told his mother.
    â€œI never thinks,” replied the woman, “of giving the baby honey.”
    â€œHoney is quite wonderful for children.  My mother always gave it to me when I was small.  It is very useful if you are travelling and small children are upset by bumping over rough roads and therefore cry.”
    There was a murmur of appreciation in the hall.
    â€œGive them honey.  I promise you, if they wake up in