Daily American telegraph. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1851-1852, 1852-05-14
From the Friend of Youth
Lizzte's First Experiment In Houae-
keeping.
BY MARY IRVING.

Lizzy Talcott's father was sensible straight
forward farmer, who lived in neat red farm
house, near a quiet country road, at some dis
tance from any village. His wife was what
farmers wives call a /" right smart woman =
that is, a woman always brisk in her business,
who kept her husband and three children, her
house, kitchen, garden, and dairy, all in "apple.
pie order"
| We ought to make one exception, however
Lizzy her eldest girl though one Of the best.
natured and most active girls in the township
was by no means fond of keeping herself or Of
being kept, in order She liked to amusc
herself with house-work or with sewing. at
times, when she was tired of outdoor play but
then it must be only amusement, taken up
when she chose, and dropped when she felt an
inclination to try something else, or Lizzv
would sigh, " Oh dear!'
Her mother talked with her as n mother
should and tried to train her to diligent habits
But finding it. as she said, "easier to do thing
twice herself than to make Lizzy do it once"
she left her daughter generally to her school
books and outdoor rambles until she was
nearly fourteen years old. To be sure, she
called upon her every day for some slight as
sistance in household work which was given
cheerfully or reluctantly, according to Llzzy's
mood at the moment But she put no heavy
responsibility upon her.
About this time she received letter. inform
ing her that her aged father, who lived hun
dred miles away, was dangerously ill., and
needed her care very much. Her husband
could not 90 with her. as it was having .
time. But she could take the stage at the next
village; so that obstable was soon disposed of
Another yet remained
~ declare she said, in an anxious tone, IL
don't know whom you'll get to keep house for
you while Pm gone. Every good girl is taken
up in harvesting time. i don't see but that
you'll have to harness up Dobbin tonight. and
go over to the pine woods to see Widow Jud-
kins about it,"
about what?n said her husband, who, in
draining his tea-cup, had lost all but the last
sentence.
"Why, about coming to keep you alive while
Pm away, to be sure You can't live on air
in haying time, you and john
"Well, here is Lizzy. said Mr.. Talcott, very
quietly, at the same time passing his cup to be
re- filed.
"Lizzy!" echoed her mother, in some sur
prise ~ should as soon think Of a kitten -
'"Oh ma" exclaimed Lizzy, with a little
pride and great deal of eagerness in her tone,
~ know enough to keep house, I'm sure. DO
let me, please-won't you
YOU'RE nothing but child. L'zzy you
don't know anything about it,
"Why, ma just as though | hadn't ever
helped you wash dishes, make bread, and all
sorts of things should think ! ought to
know enough by this time"
VERY true" said her father decidedly
" Lizzy ought to know enough, if she does not
already, to keep house week or fortnight for
four persons; and she shall have a chance to
show her skill Why, she lacks only half a
head of being as tall as her mother"
But consider, she never had any care put
upon her." plead the mother
4" Then it is high time she should have, re
Piled the father. Let it be so, wife it is GER
tainly for Lzzys good, and it is her choice. If
worst comes to worst, John and can turn in
and keep bachelors hall till we can get bet
ter help
ooh, pal" exclaimed Lizzy. rather scorhful-
", al should like to see you handling broom
But mey keep house, all myself, may not
Oh, do say yes, ma"
Mrs Talcott looked very doubtful, but find
ing her husband decided, she wisely yielded
the point and gave, at last, a reluctant
ayes, | will let you try"
ooh, thank you, thank you, maj" cried
Lizzy, dancing about the room in high spirits