The Jeffersonian. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1853-1911, 1854-07-20
Only Two of Us.
BY MRS. ROBINSON.


I've made an engagement for you t
spend day out this week. observed
Squire Crosby, as his wife was placing
dinner upon the table.
Have you! Pm sorry, for fear l shall
be too busy to fulfil it, she rejoined, in
shght tone of regret.
Busy about WHAT testify exclaimed
the speaker, 4 would respectfully in.
quire, for somewhat less than the hun
D.. dredth time, what you can possibly find
to dol 1t seems to me that you must
really suffer from want of exercise
4 do, undoubtedly said Mrs. Crosby
dryly.
1t can't be otherwise continued the
squire; decidedly. Tti a comparatively
idle life for a woman to attend to a few
household cares
a few household cares
Yes, my dear Mrs. Crosby, and the
washing put in into the bargain. What
a laborious business Squire Crosby
looked very wise, and spoke with a slight
degree of irony.
You talk like one who is acquainted
with this subject; but at the same time l
am willing to allow that you know as
much about it as the generality of men;
and that can't be construed into a com
pliment to the sex by any means
But isn't the fact self evident one,
Mrs. Crosby! Haven't I eyes, and can't
I see-observe-looka about me-compre-
hend?' demanded the Squire.
You might without doubt; but whcth-
er you do, is another thing, rejOincd his
wife.
BE that as it may, however, I am sat
isfed that can fnd enough to do to keep
me out of idlenes'
when there's only two of US.
Only two of Us, added Mrs. Crosby,
quietly; for it is just as necessary that
two should eat as four
We'll, it certainly must be a great un-
dertaking to cook little food, wash a
few dishes and lay the table three times
day! Why, l could accomplish the
whole in less time than two hoursp
Those duties you have named donot
comprise the whole of Housekeeping, Mr..
Crosby
Perhaps not, 7 shouldn't mind throw
ing in a little busting and sweeping once
and while. But it certainly appears
laughable to hear woman complain Of
the work when there is only two in the
family. verify believe it is nothing but
habit, quoth the squire, with becoming
gravity
Suppose you toy it for one day. pro-
posed Mrs. Crosby, with like seriousness
III 20 to the Office and do your work,
and you can remain at home and do mine
It's rather novel proposal, and l
don't at this time recall to my mind any
celebrated men who have done housework.
Haven't the least objection to trying it,
Notwithstanding, and presume that it will
be the easiest days work | shall have this
year. rejoined the husband
Both being agreed, the next day was
selected for the exchange of employment.
A quiet smile lurked upon Mrs. Crosby's
mouth, and the squire thought it fine
Joke; one which would afford him large
fund of merriment, and be the means of
proving to his wife that housework was
nothing more than pleasant amusement.
The delGded woman though ht her time
was fully occupied in keeping good siz-
ed house tidy, and in devising new means
of fgratifyiug the palate of the squire; who
strange to stay, liked good food, and a.
bundance of it. He seemed to think that
this jumped upon tho table ready cooked,
and that Mrs. Crosby Tor some other per-
SOM had to utter but few magical words
and everything was done. But to hear
these trifing duties termed enormous,
when there was only two of them to look
after, seemed great absurdity to Squire
Crosby, and he inwardly resolved to write
an article on the subject, and let the
sterner sex know how much they were
imposed upon.
While rejecting on this laudable deter
nination, Mrs. Crosby had occupied her
self in jotting down list of the duties
which demanded attention the next morn
ing. This she folded and quietly handed
to her husband, requesting him to make
out similrr paper, SO that no misman-
sgement might ensue.
The list is no longer than usual, said
the lady smiling at the earnestness with
which be surveyed it. L 60 through the
same performance every day. 1t is nec-
essary, for they cannot be omitted. But
don't be frightened; you can take your
owp time, she addedin bantering tone,