The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1852-06-03
From the Friend of Youth. =


Burlington Pa, March 9, 1852
From the Friend of Youth.
LIzZY's FIRST EXPERIMENT IN HOUSE
KEEPING
BY MARY IRVING.
Lizzy Talcotts father was a sensible straight
forward farmer who lived in neat red farm
house, near quiet country road at some dis
lance from any village. His wife was what
farmers wives call right smart woman =
that is 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 amuse
herself with Homework, or with sewing, at
times, when she was tired of outdoor play but
then 1t must be oaly amusement taken up
when she chose, and dropped when she felt an
inclination to try something else, or Lizzy
would sigh, Oh deNrF
Her mother talked with her as mother
should, and tried to train her to dilgent habits.
But finding it as she said, "easier to do thing
twice herself than 10 make Lzzy 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
cheerfally or reluctantly, according to Lizzy'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 i'll, and
needed her care very much Her husband
could not go with her. rs it was haying"
time. But she could take the stage at the next
village; so that Obstable was soon disposed Of
Another yet remained.
81 declare she said, in an anxious tone, q
don't know whom you'll get to keep house for
you while Pm gone. Every good girl is taken
up in harvesting time. 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?p said her husband who in
draining his tea-cup, had lost all but the hast
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!n
"Well, here is Lizzy." said MIR. Talcott, very
quietly, at the same time passing his cup to be
re-flled.
"Liuy!" echoed her mother, in some sur
prise 81 should as soon think of kitten -
"Oh, MAJ" exclaimed Lizy, with little
pride and a great deal Of eagerness in her tone,
al know enough to keep house, Pm sure. DO
let Inc, please-wOn't your
YOU'RE nothing but child, Lizxy; 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.
Lizy ought to know enough, if she does not
already, to keep house week or fortnight for
show her skill Why, she lacks only half u
head of being as tall as her mother!n
But consider, she never had any care put
upon her, plead the mother
"Then it is high time she should have" re-
piled the father. Let it be 80 wife it is Ger
tainy for Lizzy's 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"
Oh, pa! exclaimed Liuy, rather scorniul-
ly, q should like to see you handling broom
But may keep house, all myself, may | not
Oh, do say yes, ma
Mrs Ialcott looked very doubtful, but find
ing her husband decided, she wisely yielded
the point and gave, at last, reluctant
Eyes, will let you try"
oh, thank you, thank you, ma" cried
Lizzy, dancing about the room in high spirits
Remember, chick, you must sober down a
little, If you are to be a housekeeper," said her
father, demurely pulling one of the long braids
Of her hair as he went out
Li1ys mother was to leave the next morn
ing. She passed the evening in packing her
trunk, and in giving an innumerabe quantity
Of charges to Lzzy. The latter was in that
state of delight and excitement when words of
advice are said TO "pass in at one ear and out
ut the other So she answered, "Yes-yes-
oh, yes, indeed to every injunction, perhaps
forgetting it entirely the next moment
The morning came The mother looked
iunquiet AS she prepared to set out on her
Journey.
"Now, Lizzy, child" said She q do your very
best Mind and have all your fathers meals
in season-you know he is very particular
about that Keep the cream in the cellar, and
keep the stone on the pork barrel Mrs Smms
will take the churning with hers, twice week,
SO you will not be troubled about that You
know you are to send for Bridget TO wash, on
Monday. But you will make out with every
thing else, dear child, If you are only careful
and patient You know your weak side, Lizzy,
Be sure never to have the house empty-there
is no knowing what might happen Above ALL
take good care of little Kitty would take
her with me, if II were not just as it is precious
child!'
| M T.lcott L;asoA kor cnnr xaar oh bok.,
AS she said this and, bidding her other chill
drcn good bye, wasl lifted by her husband into
the wagon that was b. carry her to the village
Liuy watched her mothers fiutterng green
veil until it was out Of sight and then turned
very matrouly. Her feelings IL they had been
something very like the soliloquy-
Il am monarch Of all survey,
My right there 70 none to dispute
II any of my readers has passed through
like experience, she knows very well how 10
sympathixe With the exultant thoughts that
sweed the little hoslsskeeper's heart She
spent the morning in building " air castles
for each day of her dominion, as she wandered
from cellar 70 garnet, and from garnet back to
cellar followed by prsA&Ing Kitty, who carried
little Maltese namoaake in her chubby arms.
Such u fine time a. shs would have! Why,
she could cook Just what she wished, and do
Just as she pleased, I'll the day long, She
would 20 that very afternoon, pnd ask Mrs.
Simms to let Julia come and stay with her all
the time. Julia was q girl OF twelve, her es-
pecial friend Would they not read together,