UNCONVENTIONAL CALLERS  Parcels. 

The true parcel postman should enter into the spirit of his Job. Our old one never did; he would stand on the doorstep gazing far away into the distance with an aloof expression and hand me my parcel with casual contempt, I was always seized with a sensation of guilt. Was the parent insufficiently stamped or wrongly addressed? Did it betray too obviously its unfashionable origin? I had to look hastily to reassure myself and part of the pleasure of receiving it was lost.

But our new ‘Parcels’ is the real sort. He knows that he is a bringer of surprises and his gay smile and eager expression show clearly that he only wishes he could share the fun of opening, as well. 

He knows when there is a birthday at our house and is thoroughly pleased with his tumultuous welcome. He can even disentangle from the shrill duet of two excited small boys which is the real hero of the day, and can spare a moment to listen to the story of presents already received.

 He is fond of children, is ‘Parcels' and has made friends with the smallest one, pausing to chuck him under the chin as he sits smiling in his pram outside, or commenting admiringly on his progress as he comes scuffling to the door to sit on the mat at his feet. 

“My word, he grows fast, doesn't he?" he exclaimed the other day, as two hands clutched his trouser leg in a valiant effort to stand. "Too fast for me," I said, winging the intruder up,” I wanted a baby. I've two big boys already! 

"Only three of them, are there?" said he, surprised. (Most “people's surprise is at the size of my family not its smallness!) “I thought you had more than that, I'm a seventh son myself, and we had great fun at home, I like boys, I do." 

"Are you going to have seven yourself?"I asked, expecting the usual; quick disclaimer, but his smile only broadened, and he answered, confidently: "I hope so." 

I looked again at his young, chubby face. Surely he was not yet the father of a family? Tentatively I hinted: 

"You tye not started yet?" 

“Well, not exactly," he said, and hesitated, then in a rush of confidence; "We both hope it will be a boy!" 

I hope it will be and that he will let us know so that, as a some small return for his ready sharing of our surprises; we can have the fun of sharing in his.