We all know them by their gentle knock at the door.

In a thousand ways they impress themselves upon our lives, have entered into our councils, have given us the right advice at the right time--and when the sad day comes along _their strong shoulders are there for us to lean upon_.
Consideration for others is apt to be an inherent quality, but like everything else it can be accentuated or modified according to our own determination.

It is a growth that should be inculcated _early in the lives of children_--the earlier the better.

A child's most impressionable age is said to be between its fourth and fifth years.
Then is the time to teach it the little niceties of life--the closing of a door softly--tip-toeing quietly that mother may not be awakened from her nap--tidiness--cleanliness--good morals--all of which are to become vital factors in a life of consideration for others.
A great many of us have the desire to be of service to others but _timidity_ holds us back.

Say, for instance, one might see a person in great distress and because of diffidence withhold the proffered hand--someone we've known who comes to the point of penury but has _too much pride_ to ask assistance--we pass by fearful that we might offend.
How many times has this happened to us?
Who knows but the best friend we have at this very moment would give anything in the world if his pride would let him bridge that distance between us.
[Illustration: _A Scene from "The Americano"-- Matching Wits for Gold_] Nevertheless the desire to do the right thing was in itself helpful.