The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1851-12-24

is visible. She has brought out all hel
boarded wealth, and the tables, the new
vanished bureau, and the arm chair back
shine in snowy garniture. She has placed
the little picture in the best light, hung up
the wide sampler-her child-work at school
made all things look cheerful and bright
placed boquet OF brilliant flowers upon
the neat supper table, and another in the
| little fireplace, and with pleasant antici.
pations she awaits his return.
"How cheerful everything looks" she
murmurs; land how pleased he will be;
he will commend my care and taste"
Presently the well-known step draws
near; she is filled with happy smiles to
meet him, and together they enter their
mutual home.
What! no sign of surprise? no new de-
/ light on his features.
Does he receive all her attention as a
matter of course! something looked for,
expected, easily done, and without price.
Can he not pay her tribute Of glad smile!
Alas! he does not believe in praise; his
wife must be disinterested; must look upon
these performances as stern duties; if he
praise now and forget to..paise again, they
may be discontinued.
She is disappointed, chagrined, and un-
less taste and perfect neatness are indis-
pensible to her own comfort, she gradually
wearies in well doing, when little kindly
encouragement, little praise might have
stimulated her to constant eXerton
Many wife becomes careless of her
appearance because Of her husbands in
difference. Now in the simple matter Of
dress-not so simple either-how often
men think it beneath their notice to ap.
prove the choice oftheir companions. We
once remarked to a gentleman, that his
wife displayed most admirable taste in her
attire, and what think you was his answer!
With sigh we record it. HAS she? well
now should hardly know whether she
had on wash gown or satin dress" ="
We involuntarily disliked him; and thought
that the expression upon the countenance
Of his partner, spoke volumes.
Now we Go not like to see husband
notice such things, even to particularly.
We like to hear him give his opinion as to
whether such and such things are becom-
ing in his wife.
We are pleased TO see father interest
ed in the purchases of his children, one
who never says with frown ''oh 90 away;
| don't care for such things; suit your
selves"
And in household concerns, the husband
should express his appreciation OF neat,
ness and order, he should be grateful for
any little effort that may have been put
forth to add to his comfort or pleasure; he
should commend the good graces Of his
wife, and al fitting time make mention of
them, Indeed no one alone. but both
should reciprocate the good Offices OF the
other. We never esteemed woman the
less on hearing her say, Il have good
husband;" we never thonght man want
ed dignity, who spoke of his wife as being
dear TO him, or quoted her amiability or
industry as worthy OF example before 9th
ers. Who does not esteem the unaffected
praise of a husband. or vile, above all
others! No motive butlove induces either
"Speak the gentle words,
That sink into the heart"
Solomon says, "her husband he praiseth
herr" and only the morose and reserved,
who care not to fill the fount of kindness
by pleasant words, differ from the sacred
writer.
How many home have we seen glitter
ing with splendor; where glowing marble
from ltaly's cline gives silent welcome
to the entering guest; where on the walls
hang votive offsprings of art that fill the
soul with their beauty; where the carpets
yield to the lightest pressure, and the rich
hangings crimson the palest cheek Yet
amidst all this show and adorning has the
proud wife sat, the choicest piece of furni.
ture therefor so her husband regards
her. Formal and stern, he has thrown
around her the drapery Of his chill heart,
and it has folded about her like marble.
She is my lady," and nothing more. No
outbursts OF affection in the form of sweet
praise fell upon her ears--yet pendants Of
diamonds drop thereirom, but their shining
is like his love, costly and cold. We have
heard such one say, "all this wealth, all
the show and pride of station would | give
for one word OF praise from my husband
He never relaxes from the lotiness which
has made him feared among men; he
never speaks to me but with measured &C.
cents, though he surrounds me with luxu.
ries."
We wondered not that stiffled sob clo-
sed the sentences; who had not rather live
in cottage, through which the winds revel
and raindrops fall, with one in whose heart
dwells impulses, the hottest of our nature,
one who is not ashamed or afraid to give
fitting commendation, than in the most
gorgeous Of earthly places with a COM
panion whose lips are sealed forever to the
expression Of fondness, sympathy, and
nraise AH